Description
Order of the Red Banner 2nd award #7563
Awarded to Colonel Stepan Romanovich Frolov (Степан Романович Фролов)
For 20 years of impeccable service in the Red Army
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 37.13 mm in width, 45.31 mm in height and weighs 25.4 gram without its suspension. The mint mark is located above the serial number in one curved line. The minimum known serial number of this variation is 7426 and the maximum is 8203 so less than 800 of these are produced.
This original order is in excellent condition with light wear to the raised parts like the center wreath and most details perfectly visible. Much of the original gold plating is still present and its enamels are well preserved without repairs and show some small chip right underneath its eyelet only. Its connection ring has not been cut and the order comes with a time period double layer steel suspension and old ribbon.
The citation for his first Red Banner can be found in the picture gallery and is translated below:
During his service as brigade commissar, Comrade Frolov proved himself a courageous and experienced leader. From April 8 to May 4, the brigade fought fierce battles in the area of [Borisovo and Ramushevo].
The enemy, attempting to break through to the encircled 16th Army, used large forces with tanks and aviation. The brigade units withstood daily air bombings and enemy assaults 6–7 times a day, showing resilience and repeatedly counterattacking, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.
In these battles, Comrade Frolov demonstrated exceptional bravery and inspired soldiers and commanders by personal example.
During these days, the brigade commander and chief of staff were wounded, and Comrade Frolov took over actual command of the battle.
On April 12, during an enemy air raid, he was concussed, but after a few hours returned to duty and continued leading the fight.
On April 19, enemy submachine gunners broke through to the brigade command post. Comrade Frolov organized a counterattack — the fascists were repelled. In this battle, Comrade Frolov was wounded (two bullet wounds) and evacuated to a hospital.
During his service in the brigade, he was able to unite the command and leadership personnel, maintained close contact with the troops, and enjoyed their love and respect.
For his displayed courage and skillful leadership of the brigade in battles against the German invaders, he is recommended for the Order of the Red Banner.
We found a short biography on Colonel Frolov online. The translation of this here:
Military Commissar of the 41st Separate Rifle Brigade
Frolov Stepan Romanovich
Stepan Romanovich Frolov was born on January 13, 1899, in the village of Novoe Pulkovo, Saratov Governorate (now Lopatinsky District, Penza Region).
Member of the VKP(b) since 1923.
Guards Colonel. Regimental Commissar. He served as the military commissar of the 41st Separate Rifle Brigade of the 1st Shock Army, Western and Northwestern Fronts, which took an active part in the liberation of the Lotoshino district.
On the recommendation of the Head of the Political Department of the 1st Shock Army, Brigade Commissar F. Lisitsyn, in 1942 he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.
The decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR stated:
“He proved himself a brave and experienced leader. From April 8 to May 4, the brigade fought fierce battles in the area of Borisovo–Ramushevo. The enemy tried to break through to the encircled 16th Army, throwing in tanks and aircraft, bombed our positions 6–7 times a day. The brigade units repelled attacks, counterattacked repeatedly, and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. He showed exceptional courage, inspiring soldiers and commanders by personal example.
During these days, the brigade commander and chief of staff were wounded, and Frolov took over the actual command of the battle. On April 12, during an air raid, he was concussed, but a few hours later returned to duty.
On April 19, 1942, enemy submachine gunners broke through to the brigade command post; Comrade Frolov organized a counterattack — the fascists were repelled. In this battle, Frolov was wounded (two bullet wounds) and evacuated to a hospital.
He managed to unite the command and leadership staff, maintained close contact with the troops, and enjoyed the love and respect of all personnel.”
He was awarded:
Order of the Red Banner,
Order of Lenin,
Medals “For the Defense of Moscow” and “For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945.”
He served in the Red Army from 1918 to August 26, 1946.
Later served in the Council of Ministers of the USSR and in West Germany.
Stepan Romanovich Frolov died on February 15, 1982, in Kyiv.
More info on Colonel Frolov can be found here
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