Aleksandr Nevskij,28713,Tank Company Commander,99th Tank Regiment,Czechoslovakia 1945

[roy]

Some time back, I've posted a picture of my Alexander Nevsky on this forum. Today, I've just received the research on this order. It was awarded to Senior Lieutenant Boris P. Smotrov on May 30, 1945. Originally, Lt. Smotrov was recommended for the Order of the Red Banner, but somewhere in the chain of command, his award was upgraded to the Order of A. Nevsky.

According to the award citation, "May 3-5, 1945, in the offensive for Seimendorf, Stahenwald, and Klettian (Czechoslovakia) Comrade Smotrov displayed bravery and courage, skillfully and boldly leading the company ahead against the enemy. Under mortar and gunfire, the prospective awardee replused multiple attacks of the enemy infantry. Backed by tanks and slef propelled pieces of ordinance, the company tank crews inflicted great damage destroying 2 heavy tanks, 3 self propelled pieces ofo ordinance, 5 machine gun sites, 2 antitank guns, 50 soldiers and officers of the enemy. This the prospective awardee ensured success of the battle and completed the military task given to the regiment.

Deserves the government award, Order of the Red Banner.
Commander of the 99th Guards Tank Regiment Guards Major Litvenko"

Lt. Smotrov achieved the rank of major after the war. He was a tank commander in the 99th Tank Regiment, 42nd Detached Tank Guards Smolenskaya Red Banner Bogdan Khmelnitsky Brigade.

[MONDVOR]

Roy, what is the number of this Nevsky?

[roy]

Originally Posted by MONDVOR

Roy, what is the number of this Nevsky?

The serial number is 28713. Sorry about that, I thought that I was leaving something out of the post. :banghead

[MONDVOR]

Thanks Roy, very cool citation. Did he have any other awards except this Nevsky? Can you post his award record card? I bet a tank commander might have some more awards.

[roy]

Hello Mondvor,

According to the translated copy of Smotrov's records, he was awarded the following:

Order of Alexander Nevsky May 1945
Medal for Liberating Prague May 1945
Medal for Victory Over Germany
Medal for Military Merits April 30, 1947
30th Anniversary of the Soviet Army and Navy medal
Red Star Order, November 1958

His Order of the Red Star is serial number 2876222, and his Military Merit medal is serial number 313223. Attached is the translated and Russian record of his awards.

[Mozzabloke]

I see he was also wouded during his actions on the 5th.

Cool research thanks for sharing it with us. :thumbsup

Mark

[MONDVOR]

Roy, thanks a lot for posting the pictures :thumbsup

[Lapa]

Originally Posted by roy

...somewhere in the chain of command, his award was upgraded to the Order of A. Nevsky.

Roy,

If I am not mistaken, according to the order of precedence, in this case his award was downgraded to the Order of Nevsky (lucky for you ;) ).

Marc

[roy]

Originally Posted by Lapa

Roy,

If I am not mistaken, according to the order of precedence, in this case his award was downgraded to the Order of Nevsky (lucky for you ;) ).

Marc

Thanks Marc! :thumbsup I must have had one too many to drink when I posted the precedence of the Nevsky versus the Red Banner. :)

[MONDVOR]

Roy, I have a question. How do you know about the numbers of Smotrov's Military Merit and Red Star? I'm asking because the numbers do not correspond with the datas of issue. Military Merit number is normal for 1943 award, but for 1947 it's very low. Same holds true for Red Star. This number is close to 1948-49, but in 1958 Red Star numbers were around 3.500.000.