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Auction: 21002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 483

An interesting Soviet 'Vistula-Oder offensive' Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class awarded to Reserve Captain A. F. Bortnikov, Deputy Battalion Commander for Political Affairs in the 556th Rifle Regiment, 169th Rifle Division, 3rd Army, for disseminating propaganda amongst the troops and skilfully organising political activities

Russia, U.S.S.R., Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class, Type 2, concave reverse, reverse officially numbered '359990', good very fine

Aleksandr Fyodorovich Bortnikov was born in the village of Linchuga, Krasnoyarsk Krain in 1915, and joined the Red Army in June 1941, seeing frontline service from 1 August 1941 and then serving throughout the war. Slightly wounded on 8 October 1941, and again on 15 October 1944, it took over three years for Bortnikov to receive his first award, an Order of the Red Star by Order of the 3rd Army on 6 November 1944.

Bortnikov's second award, this Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class followed shortly afterwards on 19 February 1945 by Order of the 3rd Army, the citation states:

'Since the start of the offensive operations on January 14th 1945, comrade Bortnikov showed himself a bold and brave Red Army soldier. Serving as deputy battalion commander for political affairs, he skilfully and promptly directed the men to carry out their assignments. Active among the crowds of troops on a daily basis, he spread the Bolshevik word and educated the men through personal example. He is the true leader of the Red Army masses.

Comrade Bortnikov is experienced in disseminating propaganda during offensive warfare and, making proper use of these conditions, he has cultivated many courageous and audacious soldiers. On a daily basis and with great perseverance he inculcates iron military discipline in the troops.

For his personal bravery and boldness, for skilfully organising political activities, and for his day-to-day leadership of the Komsomol and Red Army masses, he deserves the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class.'

Signed by the Commander of the 556th Bialystok Rifle Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Airapetyan.

Bortnikov's final award was another Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class, by Order of the 3rd Army on 26th June 1945. This possibly for his role in the Berlin offensive that 3rd Army had taken part in the previous month.

After the war, he was the Manager of the Selection Office of the Central Pharmaceutical Warehouse and was living at 38-1 Pulikhov Street, Minsk; sold together with copied citation and research, including english translation.

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Sold for
£180

Starting price
£60