Soviet Award Groups!

[Mark Signa]

He was the commander of the 379th Artillery Regiment, 147th Rifle Division during W.W.II.

[Mark Signa]

I'd like to share with you one more "zig zag" in military path... I have small researched group with OGPW 2nd for Lt. Colonel Pritula ( he was awarded in 1943 ). He was in anti aircraft regiment during WW2 and after. Something happend in 1944 ( he was downgraded in position, sentenced to labor camp, pardoned later and returned to front ) - check images.

[Nota Bene]

Yet another mistery that will probably never be solved.

Alexei

[Mark Signa]

If anybody got "Ugolovnyi Kodeks RSFSR" check it out,please. He was accused by "Statija 202-2 YK"

[Nota Bene]

Mark,

I have a newer Code, but not the old one

Alexei

[jefflgarrison]

This is my first group that I have had researched.

Pretty interesting to me at least.

Senior Leutenant Velichko started his career in the Red Army in 1936.

However, his first award was received in February 1943 for action the pervious November and January around the area of Stalingrad.

Comrade Velichko during the Great Patriotic war, in the periods of the 19-25 November 1942 and 10-29 January 1943, has shown bravery, skill and courage while fighting the fascist forces. Under his supervision as a party commisar the following job was made: smooth comminucation was provided for ... , up to 255 enemy weapon's emplacement were found and covered by artillery fire. Having suffered from lack of communications repair personnel and with the wounding of the platoon commander on January 21, 1943 during the fight near the village of Alexeevka of Stalingrad region, he has taken command of the platoon and successfully reestablished on going communications. For his deeds comrade Velichko deserves the governmental award "For Bravery".

Unfortunately, Vlas was the victim of timing. A bit later and his award might have been an "Order of Glory III" or "Order of Nevsky". However, in the photo attached to his booklet, he seems pretty happy with his medal "For Bravery".

Along with this medal comrade Velichko was awarded the medal for the "Defense of Stalingrad". Both the medal and award paper were in the group.

Nothing more is know about Vlas until his last award, "Order of the Red Star" (1.796.282) that was awarded on May 21, 1945 for action around Konigsberg.

In the battle for the village of Mondeln, April 9, 1945, being in the midst of the infantry formation, he has adjusted the fire of the artillery group. With his correct designation of the coordinates of all the emerging targets, shells did hit the targets precisely, that resulted in beating off three harsh counter-attacks, with enemy having received heavy losses in both infantry and machinery.

During the assault of fort #2, being in the midst of the infantry formation, he, with the help of his group, has destroyed one machine gun and suppressed 81mm mortar squad, that helped achieve enemy's surrender.

He was also awarded the medal for the "Capture of Konigsberg". Award card was included with the group.

His booklet shows that he finished the war and was demobilized in 1947.

[matteti]

Nice group with all documents!

[Nota Bene]

Great group with a terrific story!

Alexei

[Eryk]

Great group Jeff! And congrats on the research and translation; it’s the best part of this hobby, IMO.

Some more info on the first citation for you. The village of Alexeevka is about 12km outside the southern city, almost exactly due west of the city’s Red Square, and about 1km north of Voroponovo Station, a significant rail yard. See this map (it’s spelled Alexejewka on map).

On this map it shows 57th Army (Maj Gen Tolbuhkin) as moving through that area (though it’s a pretty abstract map, and that area is close to the border with 64th Army under Maj Gen Shumilov). Other maps (not online) show the front line moving through Alexeevka from 20-Jan to 23-Jan, 1942. Right in line with your documentation for Velichko taking command of the platoon. I know 64th Army was involved further in clearing the southern part of the city and liquidating the southern pocket. Not sure how far 57th Army moved into the city. I’m curious to know what unit he was attached to at Stalingrad.

Don’t know where Mondeln is, but by 9 April 45 Konigsberg had been completely isolated in an area not more than 15 x 15km. So it must be very close on to the city. Makes sense as well as the area was dotted with “forts” around the city. Again, it would be great to know which unit he was with.

Again, great group, and thanks for sharing it with us!

[jefflgarrison]

According to the translator, regarding the first citation, he was "assistant (on the political part) of commander of staff platoon of the 15th division" and the citation was signed by "Commander of the 15th guard in the Lenin's name and Red Star's division, general-major Vasilenko"

Regarding the second citation, he was commander of the infantry platoon, 8th battery of the 887th Artillery regiment, ?24 infantry division of Verhnednepropetrovsk. He also participated in the 2nd and 3rd fronts after Stalingrad.