Kal'jas, Oskar Lijzovich, Senior Telephonist, 27th Rifle Regiment

[Kjetil Kvist]

A few months ago I bought my first group from a collector in Sweden. The group consisted of a order book, Order of Glory III class, Medal for Valor and Medal for Military Merit. All given to a estonian national Oskar Kalias.

I don't know what other people think, but I found it too cheap to pass. The medals are in fine condition. Complete ribbons and even wear. Total cost about US$75 included shipping and all.

I contacted Ed Maier and he found the award card and citiations. For a small fee he even translated the documents into english. Unfortunately the citiation for the Medal for Valor was missing, but will probably someday turn up. But the research that did turn up should be of some interest for the readers of this forum.

Oskar Kalias (born 1910) was a lance corporal. Estonian nationality. Not a party member. He was in the Red Army from 1942, he served in various fronts: Kalinin Fron from 10. november 1942 to 12. november 1943, 2nd Prebaltic Front from 13. november 1943 to 13. february 1944, Leningrad Front from 14. february 1944 to 17. february 1945, 2nd Prebaltic Front from 18. february 1945.

Here is the citiations for his awards:

For the Medal for Military Merit:

"Telephone operator of the Communication Company, Private Kalias, Oscar son of Liza, while in the section of Comrade Kirber, received an order to install a communication line to the new Observation Point. Ignoring a storm of enemy fire along the entire path, he crawled like a leopard and with honor completed the mission, which assisted in completing the general mission."

Signed Lt.Col. Kound and Captain Vekhm.

For the Order of Glory III class:

"During the battles of 21 March 1945 in the region of Mizi Khakhlyatsi, Comrade Kalias, of the 1st Rifle Battalion, while under enemy artillery fire started to repair damaged telephone communications lines. While repairing the line, Comrade Kalias was wounded but didn't leave the battlefield. He twice repaired the damaged line and by doing so he provided uninterrupted communications for management of the battle."

Signed Lt. Colonel Tomin and General-Major Allipas.

What a brave man!

Translations from the russian by Ed Maier.