USSR – The Medal “For Courage”

Description

The Medal “For Courage” was created by the decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on October 17, 1938. It was awarded to soldiers of the Soviet Army, Navy, border and internal troops and other citizens of the USSR, as well as to persons who are not citizens of the USSR, for personal courage and bravery displayed in battles against the enemies of the socialist fatherland, while protecting the state border of the USSR, during the performance of military duties in circumstances involving a risk to life.

The Medal “For Courage” is a 34mm in diameter circular silver medal with a raised rim on both the obverse and reverse. On the obverse, in the upper part are three aircraft flying from right to left. Below the aircraft is the impressed and red enameled inscription in two lines “FOR COURAGE” (Russian: «ЗА ОТВАГУ») and below the inscription is a (T-35) tank with its forward left corner closest to the front. The Soviet medal has got the additional impressed and red enameled inscription “USSR” (Russian «CCCP») below the tank just above and following the curvature of the medal’s obverse lower rim.

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This medal “For Courage” was awarded to the mortar crew member of the 7th rifle company, 3 rifle battalion of the Naval Infantry sailor Nikifor Prokipievich Poddevalov.

From his Medal “For Courage” citation:

” In 1944 as part of the 108 rifle division, he participated in the capture of the town Novyi Bykhov during the forced crossing of the river Dneiper. He was wounded in an engagement for during the expansion of the bridgehead.”

Commander of 7 rifle company, 3 Naval Infantry battalion Lieutenant signature /SHAROGORA/

Commander of 3 Naval Infantry battalion Sr. Lieutenant signature /NEKHOROSHOV/

Awarded with medal “”For Courage” by decree №36 on 16.10.1945

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This award was researched by a professional military historian researcher, and with resources from the Russian Historical state archives. All research documentation, as well as translated copies is attached with the medal.