Glory III,258109,SU-76 Driver/Mechanic,1508th Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment

[PaulR]

Thanks to PJS for helping me to research this grouping. I have no doubts that the ribbons on this bar are original and period together. Also, I understand that Bravery Medals were often catch up awards that often did not make it to the the enlisted members record before discharge. What I do not understand is why he would have used a replacement pendent which would belong to another person.

The BM was researched and belongs to a mortarman. I need to find a nice and patinaed unnumbered BM and replace the pendant on this bar and start a grouping to the mortarman (which will consist of the BM and the VoG medal).

If anyone has an unnumbered BM, I would be forever grateful!

Of notice in the research below is that this senior sergeant was highly decorated. He had an OPW2 and RS, which are actually annotated as lost. This would actually make this grouping complete! Paul stated that he had never seen the annotation of "Lost" next to an award entry in a person's records.

Award Card
Order Booklet A 949065

1. Last name: Konanov
2. Name and patrionymic: Mihail Petrovich
3. Rank: Senior Sergeant
4. Gender: Male
5. Birth year: 1923
6. Birthplace: Udmurt ASSR, Sentinskii Region, village of Sidarov-po(?)
7. Party membership: Komsomol since 7.1944
8. Education: elementary
9. Nationality: Russian
10. Time in Red Army: 6.1942-4.1947
11. Place of service at awarding: 1508 Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment, 9 Tank Corps – Mechanic/
Driver
12. Place of work at present: Udmurt ASSR, village of Selty, Motor-Tractor Station – Tractor Driver
13. Home address: Udmurt ASSR, Seltinskii Region, village of Sidarov Po(?)

14. Awards:
Designation/Serial Number/Awarding Organization

Red Star
LOST
9 Tank Corps dated 18.11.1944

Glory III
258.109
9 Tank Corps dated 10.02.1945

OPW II
LOST
9 Tank Corps dated 26.05.45


Verified by an Udmurt ASSR combined military commissariat [trans: both signature and stamp largely
illegible]

Award Sheet

1. Last name, name, and patrionymic: Kononov, Mihail Petrovich
2. Rank: Senior Sergeant
3. Duty position: Mechanic/Driver – SU-76, 1508 Baranovichi Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment

Recommendation for the Order of Glory III Class

4.Born: 1923
5.Nationality: Russian
6.Party membership: Komsomol since 1944
7.Previous combat: 1 Byelorussian Front since October 1943
8.Wounds or shell-shock: n/a
9.In Red Army: since 1944
10.Inducted by: Saltinskii Region, Udmurt ASSR
11.Previous awards: Red Star
12.Home of record: Udmurt ASSR, Saltinskii Region, village of Sidarov


Short description of personal combat feat or accomplishment

Comrade Kononov has driven his vehicle 600km without any accidents or breakdowns during
offensive fighting from 14-28.1.45.

He repeatedly displayed bravery and driving mastery on the battlefield. In night fighting on 22.1.45 near the city of Kalish while encountering an enemy vehicle convoy, he quickly deployed his vehicle and placed it in an advantageous position, allowing his crew to open fire. In this
engagement the crew destroyed two vehicles with ammunition and equipment, a 120mm mortar armored transport, and as many as 20 soldiers.

He is deserving of the Order of Glory III Class.

Signed Commander, 1508 Baranovichi Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Gatsuk
on 30 January 1945

Endorsed Commander, 9 Tank Corps, Guards General-Lieutenant of Tank Troops Kirichenko on 7
February 1945

Awarded Order of Glory III Class by 9 Tank Corps Order 019/N dated 10 February 1945. Verified by 9
Tank Corps Chief of Personnel, Major of Administrative Services Roenko on 10 February 1945.

Unit Award Order

9 Bobruisk Red Banner Tank Corps Order 019/N dated 10 February 1945

On behalf of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet USSR, I award the following decorations for exemplary
accomplishment of the Command’s missions in the struggle against the German invaders and for having
displayed valor and bravery:

Order of Glory III Class to:

5. Senior Sergeant Mihail Petrovich Kononov – Mechanic/Driver, SU-76, 1508 Baranovichi Self-
Propelled Artillery Regiment

Signed 9 Bobruisk Red Banner Tank Corps Guards General-Lieutenant of Tank Forces Kirichenko and
Chief of Staff Colonel Ravinovich