Description
Order of the Red Star #3649861
Awarded to Sr. Lieutenant Semyon Ivanovich Podust (Семен Иванович Подуст)
For actions on July 5, 1943, day one of the Battle of KURSK where he destroyed 13 horse-drawn carts containing ammunition and weapons and killing 10 horses pulling mortars. He engaged in hand-to-hand combat, killing 3 Germans when he ran out of ammunition
Note that Lt. Podust was bestowed his Red Star in 1943, but it took 37 (!) years before he actually received it. Hence the high serial number
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 48.07 mm in width, 46.23 mm in height and weighs 30.7 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.
In nice overall condition with crisp details to the raised areas and a nice patina to the silver. The enamels are generally well preserved without repairs but show a chip on the tip of the 7 o’clock ray. Its screw is full length and the comes with a well fitting screwplate.
Short excerpt and translation of the research:
Awarded for his actions on July 5, 1943, day one of the Battle of Kursk.
Guards Sergeant Podust served as a mortar squad leader in the 229th Guards Rifle Regiment, 72nd Guards Rifle Division, 7th Guards Army in the southeastern section of the Kursk salient, just southeast of Belgorod.
Podust’s unit was deployed at the village of Maslova Pristan. According to the citation, the Germans had amassed massive numbers of troops along the Severny Donets River and were attempting to cross it. Podust’s mortar squad shelled the crossing site, destroying 13 horse-drawn carts containing ammunition and weapons and killing 10 horses pulling mortars.
When he ran out of ammunition, Podust engaged in hand-to-hand combat, killing 3 Germans. He was then encircled but fought his way out of it.
Podust stayed in the army until 1960, retiring as a Senior Lieutenant.
More information on Lt. Podust can be read here
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