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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 565

A Stalingrad Veteran's Battle of Berlin Order of the Red Banner awarded to Guards Major M. Y. Korsunsky, Deputy Commander for Political Work of a Squadron of the 30th Guards Army Level Artillery 'Prague' Red Banner, Order of Suvorov Brigade, for transporting 1,000 artillery shells across the Oder River in the days preceeding the beginning of the Berlin offensive

He subsequently commanded the close support artillery pieces on the approaches to Berlin and Brandenburg during the offensive and finally defeated a German counter-attack numbering 20 tanks and infantry at the village of Tremmen on 2 May 1945, during which in hand-to-hand combat his unit eliminated 100 enemy troops. He had, amongst other service, been present as part of 62nd Army during the Battle of Stalingrad, and was decorated with a Medal for Bravery for the closing weeks of the battle when the German Sixth Army was destroyed

Russia, Soviet Union, Order of the Red Banner, reverse numbered '242681', very fine

Mikhail Yakovlevich Korsunsky, a Jewish national, was born in the town of Kobeliaki, Poltava Region, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1918, and having attained a secondary school level of education joined the Red Army on 30 October 1939.

Korsunksy's first notable service was during the Battle of Stalingrad with 62nd Army where he would take part in the defence of the city being awarded the Medal for the Defence of Stalingrad on 22 December 1942, and subsequently a Medal for Bravery by decree of the 62nd Army on 8 February 1943 - this almost certainly being an award related to the liquidation of the 6th Army in the city during January 1943.

His next decoration would be an Order of the Red Star, issued by decree of the 1st Belorussian Front on 24 July 1944, and almost certainly award for the fighting during the first days of Operation Bagration which began on 22 June 1944. This would be followed by an Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class by decree of the 47th Army on 20th February 1945, an award for the opening days of the Vistula-Oder offensive which included the liberation of Warsaw for which he would receive the Medal for the Liberation of Warsaw.

This Order of the Red Banner would be awarded by decree of the 47th Army on 25 May 1945 and was awarded to him whilst serving as a Guards Major and Deputy Commander for Political Work of a Squadron, 30th Guards Army Level Artillery 'Prague' Red Banner Suvorov Order Brigade and for the following acts:

'Comrade Korsunsky exhibited courage and bravery in the forced crossing of the Oder river on 13th April 1945, in which he commanded transportation of the ammunitions across the river. Disregarding mortal danger under the intensive enemy artillery and machine-gun fire, he ensured transportation by boats of 1000 shells, which assisted the artillery squadron in accomplishing its combat objectives.

During the assault on Berlin and Brandenburg, he conducted extensive educational work among the personnel and inspired the NCOs and the enlisted men by personal example. He personally commanded the close support assault cannons on the approaches to Berlin and in Brandenburg city. Delivering artillery salvoes from the open sight positions, he enabled advances of our infantry.

On 2nd May 1945 near the village of Tremmen (Germany), an enemy formation of 20 tanks and infantry broke through into the artillery position. Despite intensive enemy machine-gun and small arms fire, risking his life, he went to the artillery position. He commanded the artillery pieces and the group of servicemen, who fought the enemy back in a hand-to-hand engagement. As the result of comrade Korsunsky's courage, the artillery squadron eliminated up to 100 enemy troops.'

Korsunsky would also receive the Medal for the Capture of Berlin. Continuing to serve after the war he would receive a number of other awards - a Medal for Combat Merits for 10 years long service on 15 November 1950, an Order of the Red Star for 15 years long service on 3 November 1953 and a second award Order of the Red Banner for 20 years long service on 30 December 1956 as well as a Medal for the Victory over Germany and a Medal for 30 Years of the Soviet Army and Navy.

In 1947 he is noted as a Propagandist of the Political Department of the 115th Army Level Guards Artillery Division and was living in the town of Baranovichi.



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Sold for
£350

Starting price
£170