Description
Soviet Order of the Red Star #1173717
Awarded to Sr. Sergeant Anatoly Vasilievich Tsirulnikov (Анатолий Васильевич Цирульников)
IL-2 Gunner at the 766th Ground Assault Aviation Regiment
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 49.19 mm in width and 47.22 mm in height. The order weighs 31.6 gram without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark on the 12 o’clock position of its reverse. This early variation has a round base of the screw.
This original order of the Red Star is in an excellent, above average condition. The details are mostly visible and the enamels are problem free and without repairs. The reverse is in prisitine condition with virtually dings or scratches and shows an appealing dark patine. The screwpost has been shortened by only a few millimeters and is bearily noticeable. The order comes with its time period screwplate.
An aerial gunner award with great eyeappeal. Scarce as such!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“In the period 30.07.44 – 26.08.44, he conducted 11 successful combat sorties, for which he was awarded with the Medal For Bravery according the decree # 08/n issued on 28.08.44 by the Commander of 766 ground assault aviation regiment.
In the period 26.08.44 – 06.10.44, he conducted further 25 successful sorties as aerial gunner in the IL-2 piloted by the pilot Jr.Lt. V.I. Sagaidachny. During his service in the regiment, he proved himself as a brave, watchful, experienced, and self-possessed gunner.
Not once, he repelled attacks of enemy fighter planes. For example on 26.08.44, he repelled 2 attacks by a pair of FW-190. On 27.08.44, he repelled three attacks by “Fockers”. Being a master of his machine-gun, he always keeps it in excellent shape and never had jamming in battle. Readily and willing fully shares his experience with his brothers in arms, as well as learns himself from them.
For gallantry exhibited in the fight against the German invaders, he is worthy of the Order of the Red Star order.”
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