Description
Order of the Red Banner #196612
Awarded to Guards Major Ivan Pavlovich Nikolaev (Иван Павлович Николаев)
For contributing to the success of operations in Polen in January 1945
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.02 mm in height including its eyelet, 37.17 mm in width and it weighs 26.2 gram without its suspension. The serial number and curved mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
In good overall condition with light to medium wear on the higher laying parts. The details of the raised areas are all visible and crisp and much of the original gold plating is still present. The white enamel is flawless and the red enamel shows some minor superficial chipping, most noticeable on the lower banner. its connection ring has been cut and the order comes with its time period double layer steel suspension and old ribbon.
Short translation of the citation:
Commanding the 38th Separate Guards Air Defense Division of the Guard, Major Nikolaev in the offensive operation on January 14-26, 1945 to capture the cities of Skerniewice, Lovich and Bydgoszcz – energetic and skillful actions greatly contributed to the success of the operation.
In the absence of massive enemy air raids, the guns and machine guns of Major NIKOLAEV’s guard were widely used to fire at ground targets, contributing to the success of the battles; when crossing the Ravka River and capturing the Kamion stronghold on January 18 in the battle for the city of Bidon on January 24-25 and especially when repelling enemy attacks on the 35th guards KP and KP division in the forests south of Bydgoszcz on the night of January 23-24.
In these battles of the Guards, Major NIKOLAEV proved himself a brave and energetic officer and showed personal valor and courage.
Worthy of being awarded the Order of the RED BANNER.
More info on Major Nikolaev can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is an image of Nikolaev showing him with this Order of the Red Banner and a battle map of Kamion, Poland of 18 January 1945
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