Description
Order of the Red Star #1475169
Awarded to Major Alexej Ivanovich Smirnov (Алексей Иванович Смирнов)
For exceptional leadership in the air defense of Leningrad during the Patriotic War. As chief commander of the Army’s main air warning control center, he ensured timely warning and coordination during numerous enemy air raids. On 8 March 1945, his prompt actions enabled the successful interception and destruction of the last enemy aircraft attempting to reach Leningrad
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 47.4 mm in height, 49.0 mm in width and weighs 30.8 grams without its screwplate. The mint mark is located above, and the serial number underneath the screw post.
In excellent, well above average condition. The enamels are very well preserved without repairs, chips or even scratches. The raised areas on its obverse show light wear only with its details still crisp. The screwplate is time period to the order and its screw has not been shortened.
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits:
He proved himself as strong willed, demanding and cultural officer during the 3 years of his service at the army headquarters. He excellently mastered the means of combat air reconnaissance control systems and shared his skills with a number of young officers. He submitted, and keeps submitting, a number of improvement proposals regarding the arrangements at the air defense warning service observation posts and the application of the reconnaissance means.
During his field visits, he is always very strict and his audit reports always sharply criticise the revealed deficiencies. He always delivers great practical help to the officer corps in the field.
He is excellently trained in his profession. He is disciplined, politically educated, and morally stable. During the course of the Patriotic war, he dozens of times was the chief commander at the army main air warning control centre during the enemy air raids against Leningrad. He always ensured complete and timely warning information towards the anti aircraft combat units, which assisted proper air defence against the enemy raids.
On 08 March 1945, while being the chief commander at the army main air warning control centre, he acted promptly and professionally – he ensured timely take off and successful interception and destruction of the enemy aircraft in the designated sector by our fighter planes. This was the very last enemy aircraft attempting to get through to the LENIN’s city.
The translation of the research can be read below:
More information on Major Smirnov can be found here
Please contact us with questions
