Description
Order of the Red Star #161691
Awarded to the female Master Sergeant Nina Vasilievna Zemtsova (Нина Васильевна Земцова)
For replacing the unit’s telephone operator when being surrounded by the enemy in 1942, assisting the artillery crews in moving equipment, providing medical aide to the wounded and evacuating 28 wounded troops and their personal arms from the battlefield
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 48.90 mm in width, 46.66 mm in height and weighs 29.1 grams 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 ‘heel’ of the screw.
In an excellent, above average condition. Most details are visible although the higher laying parts of the soldier show medium wear. The enamels are beautiful and without repairs with some small contact marks and only; no chipping or flaking. The reverse is in excellent condition too and shows a dark patina to the silver. The screwpost has been shortened by a few mm for more comfortable wear and the order comes with its time period silver screwplate.
An early award in excellent condition to woman. Scarce as such!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“During the period of combat operations from 31.10.1942 till 04.11.1942 near the settlement Alagir, the artillery battery position was surrounded by the enemy submachine-gunners. She replaced the unit’s telephone operator. And when the unit was breaking through the encirclement under heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire, she assisted the artillery crews in moving the equipment and at the same time provided medical aide to the wounded. Exhibiting courage and bravery in the combat engagements near the settlement Dzuarikau and the hill 1011,3 during 09-13 November 1942, she accompanied a rifle unit and evacuated 28 wounded troops and their personal arms from the battlefield.
She deserves a state award order “RED STAR”.”
The full translation of the register card can be read here
More information on Sgt. Zemtsova can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery are several scans of battle maps of the 319th Rifle Division in November 1942 mentioning the places mentioned in the award citation and a combat diary of the 1014th Artillery Regiment of November 1942
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