Description
Order of the Red Banner #516638
Awarded to Major General Spiridon Ivanovich Nikiforov (Спиридон Иванович Никифоров)
For 20 year service
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 44.84 mm in height, 36.17 mm in width and weighs 24.5 grams without its suspension. The serial number and mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
The order is in excellent condition with crisp details and a medium toning to the silver. Its enamels are well preserved without dings, scratches or repairs. Much of the original gold plating is present and the order comes with its time period double layer suspension and uncut connection ring.
More information on Major General Nikiforov can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery are two digital scans of images of Nikiforov and the citation we found online for his Order of the Patriotic War. The translation of this citation can be read here:
1. Brief and specific description of personal combat feat or merit
Lieutenant Colonel Nikiforov Spiridon Ivanovich has been at the front of the Patriotic War since September 1941. Throughout his time at the front, he has shown courage, valor, and loyalty to the Motherland.
In October 1941, on the Western Front with the 16th Army in defensive battles near Vyazma, he temporarily took command of a regiment when its commander was wounded. As acting regimental commander, Comrade Nikiforov led the regiment through the defense and organized a breakout through enemy lines, maintaining unit cohesion. He personally led four battalions in a breakout, inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, and evacuated wounded soldiers and equipment.
From December 1941, he was appointed deputy commander for political affairs of the 46th Rifle Brigade. During battles near Moscow, he quickly reorganized the brigade for offensive operations. Under his leadership, the brigade advanced with strong morale and determination. He led soldiers into attacks, and in battles near the villages of Semyonovskoye–Puchkovo–Puzhakovo in the Volokolamsk District of Moscow Oblast, the brigade inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and captured these locations.
In battles near Staraya Russa in March 1942, on the first day of combat when the brigade commander was wounded, Comrade Nikiforov assumed command. He displayed bravery and skill in organizing the defense and counterattacks against superior enemy forces. The enemy launched repeated attacks but was repelled. Within the first three days, the enemy lost more than 1,000 men. The brigade held its ground and did not retreat.
During offensive battles near the village of Myasnoy Bor in Leningrad Oblast, Comrade Nikiforov was constantly with the frontline units. He lifted soldiers’ morale, skillfully led political work, and ensured successful combat missions.
Since January 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Nikiforov has been assigned to the 178th Rifle Division as deputy commander for political affairs. During the division’s offensive actions in the Novosokolniki region, he properly organized political and morale work and was directly in the battle formations. The division captured several enemy strongpoints, including Novosokolniki station.
As of January 1943, in his role as deputy political department head of the 319th Rifle Division, Comrade Nikiforov took charge of political work and raised combat readiness and morale during offensive operations.
In the January–March 1944 offensive battles of the division, Lieutenant Colonel Nikiforov was directly at the front. He ensured strong morale, maintained cohesion, and inspired troops to achieve their objectives. He also paid special attention to supplying the troops and caring for the wounded.
For his courage, valor, and skill in organizing political and combat work, and for his actions in the Patriotic War, Lieutenant Colonel Nikiforov is deserving of the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class.
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