Description
Order of the Red Banner #261346
Awarded to mortar company commander Valentin Nikolaevich Lopatin (Валентин Николаевич Лопатин)
For demonstrating courage and strong leadership during the Oder River crossing from April 18–23, 1945. Under enemy fire, he led his mortar company across the river, supported the advancing rifle units, and fortified their position. He destroyed a 75mm field gun, four machine-gun positions, and eliminated up to 40 enemy troops with his company
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.15 mm in height, 37.00 mm in width and it weighs 26.3 grams without its suspension. The serial number and curved mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
In decent, average condition with moderate wear to raised areas like the center wreath. Most details remain visible, and both sides show several small dings and scratches. The white enamel is well preserved with minor superficial chipping around the central hammer and sickle. The red enamel shows damage on one arm of the center star and the top banner. The connection ring has been cut, and the order comes with its period double-layer steel suspension and old ribbon.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
Comrade LOPATIN exhibited courage and military leadership skills in the offensive operations for forced crossing of the Oder river and the adjacent channels near the settlements Fiddichow and Amstmulle during 18-23 April 1945. Following closely combat formation of an advancing rifle company, acting under enemy fire, he and his company crossed to the opposite river bank. Having fortified there on the left river bank, his mortar company eliminated a 75mm field cannon and its crew, 4 machine-gun positions with crews, and up to 40 German troops. This effort assisted to the success in achieving combat objectives in the missions assigned by the command.
Comrade LOPATIN V.N. deserves state award order “RED BANNER”.
The full translations can be read below:
More info on Lopatin can be found here
Also included in this lot is scan of a picture of Lopatin we found online, the combat diary and report of the 380th Rifle Division, the combat diary of the 1260th Rifle Regiment of April 1945 and a map of Fiddichow
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