Culturby Wrote:One of my first purchases, is the 3rd Class Order of Glory #144347.
Great medal. I collect mainly Glories and Bravery-medals, and have them researched by a forum member. It's really a small money to pay when you look at the story you get.
I got the research back on the above mentioned Order of Glory 3rd class:
I have always had a special interest in armored warfare. So it was a pleasant surprise to find that my Order of Glory 3rd class was awarded to a participant in one of the largest tank battles in history.
This Order of Glory 3rd class awarded to Starshina Ivan Stepanovich Lyirchikov, Mechanic/Driver with 3rd battalion, 11th Guards Tank Brigade, 8th Guards Army.
Lyirchikov was born Ryazan Oblast, Trubetchinskyi Region, Kuiman Village in 1918. He served with the Red Army from September 1939.
My online research shows that 11th Guards Tank Brigade was an independent brigade, equipped with KV-1 tanks, when Lyirchikov was awarded the Order of Glory 3rd class.
They later exchanged their KV-1's for the much more modern IS-2.
Citation:
Comrade Lyrchikov in battle on the left bank of the Vistula River on August 5th and 6th 1944, with skillful maneuvering of the tank under intensive fire from enemy aircraft, artillery and mortars, assisted the platoon commander to repel 5 enemy attacks and made it possible to destroy two enemy tanks and 10 soldiers and officers.
For unparalleled persistence in an unequal battle, for his courage and dedication is worthy of government award Order of Glory 3rd class.
Lyirchikov took part in the Battle of Radzymin, east of Warsaw 1-10th August 1944. This was supposedly the largest tank battle fought on Polish ground, and one of the largest tank battles ever fought.
Lyirchikov was wounded in action 6th August 1944. The Order of Glory 3rd class was awarded 12th September 1944.
He returned to the service and was later recorded as a Tank Commander 13 with 71st Tank Regiment, 33rd Guards Mechanized Division.
