Soviet Russian USSR Medal Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class MZPP, WARSAW 1945
Soviet Russian USSR WWII medal Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class with serial number in the 660k range. Researched, awarded in 1945 to Lieutenant Ivan Nikolaev. For an artillery battalion of the 287th Artillery Regiment, 143rd Rifle Division, for actions around Warsaw during the Vistula-Oder Offensive. On account of his outstanding leadership, Nikolaev had risen from a NCO, commanding an anti-tank rifle section, to an officer. According to the award Citation, Lieutenant Nikolaev's political organizing and personal example in battle mobilized and inspired the men of his unit to feats of valor in combat.
He arranged for the 5 best soldiers in his unit to be accepted into the Communist Party. Of the 75 men in the unit recommended for awards during the offensive, 50 were Communists. Nikolaev had previously earned a Bravery Medal while in command of an anti-tank rifle section for an action in which he led his men to run the Germans out of a village, skillfully using terrain to mask their movements, and employing accurate fire. He had also earned an Order of the Red Star, still commanding a section, for an action in which he led an advance while mowing down enemy soldiers with a captured machine gun!
Later, he was awarded an Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class for street fighting in Spandau, Berlin. Scarce MZPP piece , and an illustrative story of the role of Communists in the Red Army! Minor dings to the enamel of the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock rays. The serial number of the award is authentic and matches the serial number shown in the archival documents.
If you require confirmation in advance, please send me a message, and I will gladly provide images. Reasonable, rational collectors who are genuinely interested in the history represented by an award will make the effort to reach out and will quickly find that everything is in order. Winner will be provided with archival research (22 pages - including Award Record Card and Citation) in electronic format, unredacted, in color, plus an archival portrait of Nikolaev, also in electronic format. Professional English translation of the Record Card and Citation is available if requested before receipt of item. I will answer all coherent, respectful inquiries to the best of my ability.
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