"Orders of Gone Country"

[Simon]

Russian TV produced a documentary series "Orders of Gone Country" dedicated to orders of USSR. Each episode tells history of one order. I watched order of Kutuzov episode and learned several interesting, little-known facts. Though, by statute, Kutuzov I class was to be awarded to front and army commanders, a senior lieutenant who arrested Gen. Vlasov was given this order. Marshal Tolbuhin was responsible for awarding American general Patton with Kutuzov I. Because the order didn't arrive in time, Tolbuhin unscrewed his own Kutuzov from his uniform and gave it to Patton. Later, Tolbuhin was reissued Kutuzov I which was meant for Patton. If you know or study Russian, you can watch "Orders of Gone Country" on rutube.ru:

Ордена ушедшей страны.Орден Кутузова. :: Видео на RuTube