For Bravery,U/N 1991,Platoon Commander,507th Separate Company Of Chemical Defence

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Here is a late issue, unnumbered Medal "For Bravery". On its own not much - but with the researched story something rather special.

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Issued to Sergej Nikolaevich Zarudnyj with this undated "President" Type Booklet.

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Award List

1. Family, Name, Patronym; Zarudnyj, Sergej Nikolaevich
2. Rank; Lieutenant
3. Position, Unit; Platoon Commander, 507th Separate Company Of Chemical Defence
Presented For Award; Medal "For Bravery"
4. Year Of Birth; 1921
5. Nationality; Ukrainian
6. Party Membership; Member Of VLKSM
7. Participation In Civil War, Other Military Actions Of Defence Of The USSR And Patriotic War (Where, When); Participant In Patriotic War (200th Rifle Division, North-Western Front, 2nd Baltic Front)
8. Had Which Wounds And Contusions In Patriotic War; Not Had
9. Since What Time In Red Army; January 1942
10. Which Regional Military Commissariat Conscripted; Kirov Regional Military Commissariat, Tashkent
11. Received Which Awards (For Which Distinction); Award Not Had


Commander of a Crossing Group Of Chemical Troops during the construction of the crossing over the River Drissa during the night of 11th-12th July. In very difficult conditions, under heavy enemy artillery and mortar barrages, was a personal example inspiring fighters and showing examples of courage and ability to lead in difficult conditions. The river crossing was completed in time. The Group Of Chemical Troops had no losses.

Meriting the award Medal "For Bravery".

15th July 1944
Commander 507th Separate Company Of Chemical Defence Captain ...

Worthy of award of the governmental award Medal "For Bravery".

Division Engineer Major Minkin

18th July 1944

Awarded by Prikaz of 200th Rifle Division of 26th July 1944 with #0117/I Medal "For Bravery".

Head Of Department Of Staff Captain Marorov

27th July 1944.


A 47 year catch up.

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Unfortunately Lieutenant Zarudnyj never received his Medal.

Lieutenant Zarudnyj, Sergej Nikolaevich - Head Of Chemical Service, 650th Artillery Regiment, 200th Rifle Division
Killed in battle 6th February 1945.

His Medal was instead received by his next-of-kin (The name of whom I am retaining).

Who would have expected to be awarded with a Medal 46 years after death?

The 200th Rifle Division was fighting around Samland at the time (Which is now in Kaliningrad Oblast).