Fidanjan, Sergo Arutjunovich, Private, Linesman, 89th Rifle Division

[PaulR]

Hello,

This beautiful albeit well worn grouping just arrived today. The book is so worn that the paper feels like thin cloth and none of the stamping on the outside cover of the book remains... no evidence of it whatsoever.

The only thing that is a bummer is that the letters are barely legible on his name.

I do love how worn the booklet is(shows lots of pride and love), as are the orders. I would say that about 75% of the enamel on both ORSs is replaced.

The numbers on one of the ORS and the OGIII are pretty low. I bet that there are some interesting citations in there.

Oh, there is one missing Bravery Medal. I have an unnumbered BM that I will place with the grouping.

I don't know if the seller wants me to name him or not, but I greatly appreciate him thinking of me.

[PaulR]

Here is a closeup of the name... can anyone make anything of it?

[CtahhR]

Oh, there is one missing Bravery Medal. I have an unnumbered BM that I will place with the grouping.

Not a good idea.


A Telephonist born in 1922 with only a single citation on "the site" (Incorrectly listed as Fidonjan). The Red Star.
Also missing a OPW '85 II and most likely an array of Medals.

[PaulR]

Cool. Thank you!! This is really cool. Can you make out what he got the ORS for?

[CtahhR]

I think it basically states on 16th February 1945 whilst attacking near the Oder River and acting as section supervisor, he fixed the line 9 times under enemy fire.

[PaulR]

Great! He really earned that ORS. I will definitely pay to research this set! So it sounds like he could have been in Berlin. What is his rank? Is that on there?

Also, I was reading in the red book that the OGPW1 '85 was given to folks who had orders such as the OGIII and ORS(or higher) and that the OGPW2'85 was given to folks without these orders. It is interesting that the research site shows him having the second class version.

[CtahhR]

His rank is "Red Army Soldier".
When it comes to OPW '85s I've got 1st Classes to those who only got a VOG and 2nd Classes to those with Orders for combat bravery. It is very hit and miss.

I don't think you need to pay for anything yet - just wait for "the site" to catch up.

[Auke]

His Glory 3rd Class and first Red Star are on the site under Федонян:

Общедоступный электронный банк документов 'Подвиг народа'
Общедоступный электронный банк документов 'Подвиг народа'

And his Medal for Courage is listed under Сако Федонян:

Общедоступный электронный банк документов 'Подвиг народа'

[CtahhR]

You've got to love the Russian takes on ethnic names.

Sergo, Sergej and Sako when the name is probably Serko.

Very much a Transcaucasian name that is a Russian bureaucrat's nightmare but at the same time the obscure names are easier to track than all the Petes, Alexs and Ivans.

The more time spent exposed to these "non-Russian" names the easier it is to understand the differences.

I have a "Sergej Vladimirovich" who is really a "Serko Ladis-dze". If someone didn't know the conversion of names between languages it'd be extremely difficult and frustrating.

[PaulR]

Wow thanks Auke. I will want a formal translation(typed up and formatted so that I can print it off and keep it with the set). But... how about a teaser please!! Are any of those citations mind blowers?:D