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Auction: 21002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 500

A Soviet Medal for Courage awarded to Guards Lieutenant Y. P. Varfolomeyev, a Platoon Leader in an Anti-Tank Rifle Company of a Motorised Submachine Gun Battalion, 64th Guards Red Banner Tank Brigade, who having ridden into battle mounted on advancing Tanks, dismounted and charged the enemy trenches, killing the enemy, setting an example to his men, he was subsequently involved in a successful withdrawal from a cut-off position

Russia, U.S.S.R, Medal for Courage, Type 2, Variation 1, reverse officially numbered '931717', red enamel lettering almost lost, otherwise very fine

Yegor Pankratovich Varfolomeyev was born in the village of Romanovo, Altai Krai in 1915, and had served with the Red Army from July 1941, becoming a Member of the Communist Party in 1943. Initially serving with the Kalinin Front from 2 February- 7 March 1943, he then served with the Voronezh Front from 20 March 1943, including during the Battle of Kursk, for actions during which he was awarded the Order of the Red Star by Order of the 49th Tank Brigade on 22 July 1943.

Serving as a Platoon Leader in an anti-tank rifle company of a motorised submachine gun battalion, 64th Guards Red Banner Tank Brigade he was awarded this Medal for Courage by Order of the 64th Guards Tank Brigade on 13 April 1944, the citation stating:

'During the offensive fighting in the sector of the 1st Ukrainian Front, comrade Varfolomeyev, serving as anti-tank rifle platoon leader, displayed unparalleled bravery and forcefulness in his decision-making during combat missions. During the fighting for the villages of Nartsyzovka, Usenki and Lozovatka in the Vinnitsa Oblast on January 11 and 12, Verfolomeyev and his platoon took part in a tank assault, sitting on the tanks. Under heavy artillery and machine gun fire and bombardments from the enemy side they drove along on top of the tanks and burst into the enemy defences.

Varfolomeyev had his men got off the tanks and in front of his men, as an example to all of them, he stormed into the enemy trenches and killed the enemy. During the fighting the company commander was put out of action, after which Varfolomeyev assumed command. In the course of these battles, under the direct leadership of Varfolomeyev 3 heavy enemy firing positions were destroyed and up to 2 platoons of infantry were killed. During the fighting for the village of Vybulevo on 25th January 1944, comrade Varfolomeyev and his unit found themselves cut off from their main forces. Having occupied defensive positions, they held on until they received orders to withdraw. After having received these orders, Varfolomeyev left for his parent unit with his main forces and managed to save all his men and material.

For courage and bravery displayed in combat he deserves the Medal for Bravery.'

Signed by Captain Kalmynov, Commander of the Motorised submachine gun Battalion of the 64th Guards Red Banner Tank Brigade, and subsequently by the Commander of the 64th Guards Red Banner Tank Brigade.

Shortly after this award, he was awarded the Order of the Red Star by Order of the 1st Guards Tank Army on 8 May 1944.

This last award most likely being for the battles around the Kamenets-Podolsky (Hube) Pocket in late March and April 1944 in which the Red Army attempted to encircle and destroy the 1st Panzer Army with partial success, with many Germans escaping, but without their heavy equipment which was left behind.

Varfolomeyev survived the war, and subsequently was employed as Chairman of the Vysokaya Griva Rural District, Pankrushikha Raion, and was living in that village in Altai Krai; sold together with copied citation and research, including english translation.


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Sold for
£110

Starting price
£80