Russia - Soviet: An interesting Third Battle of Kharkov Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class awarded to Private Vladimir Mikhailovich Pavlov, 1st Battalion, 21st Rifle Regiment, 180th Rifle Division who was severely wounded in the storming of the city on 15th February 1943, leading to his eventual discharge. This was his sole award.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class, reverse numbered 724800
Condition: Good Very Fine
Vladimir Mikhailovich Pavlov was born in the village of Karimbaevo, Dombarovsky District, Aktobe Oblast in 1915, and having attained a middle school education served in the Red Army from May 1942 until September 1943. This Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class was Pavlov’s sole numbered award and was issued to him by Decree of Supreme Soviet on 6th November 1945, a catch up award, one of a large number issued to wounded soldiers of the conflict who were not to win any other decorations. The recommendation reads as follows:
‘As assistant commander of the reconnaissance platoon, 1st Battalion, 21st Rifle Regiment, 180th Rifle Division, while storming the city of Kharkov, he was severely wounded. As a consequence of this wound, he lost an eye and is an invalid of the 3rd group. He was wounded on 15th February 1943.
In the workplace he works hard. He displays initiative, resourcefulness, and perseverance in all supply problems and the realization of assets. He is politically developed and takes active part in social work and the resolution of the workers’ everyday problems.’
He would be discharged upon his recovery and would later work as the Chief of Supply at ‘Artelstal’ in the city of Frunze where he was resident.
The fighting around Kharkov in February 1943 marked the high point of the Red Army’s advance immediately after the capture of the Stalingrad. The following counter-attack and recapture of Kharkov by German Armoured Forces under the command of Von Manstein was the last significant German victory on the Eastern Front.
