Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

U.S.S.R., Order of the Red Star group awarded to Career Master Sergeant Viktor Mikhailovich Mentyukov, 5th Independent Guards Tank Brigade

Order of the Red Star, silver and enamel, reverse numbered, ‘1292484’, screw-backed; Medal for Combat Service (2) both unnumbered; Medal for Victory over Germany 1945, these three individually mounted ‘Russian’ style, good very fine (4) £100-140

Viktor Mikhailovich Mentyukov was born in the village of Chenogai, Poim Raion, Penza Oblast in July 1922. Served in the Great patriotic War, since 27 June 1941 on the South-Western Front; since 1 August 1942 on the Leningrad Front; since 1 August 1944 on the 4th Ukrainian Front.

Awarded the Order of the Red Star as Guards Junior Sergeant, Driver and Metalworker in the Technical Support Company, 5th Independent Guards Novorossiysk Red Banner Tank Brigade on 4 April 1945. Awarded for ‘the exemplary accomplishments of combat missions in the struggle with the German invaders and the valour and bravery displayed in the process ...’

Awarded the Medal for Combat Service on 10 October 1943 as Guards Junior Sergeant, Driver and Metalworker (as above) “Working as a metalworker, comrade Mentyukov mends mechanical bearings. He has superbly mastered the working process and ensured that the bearings of the unit’s vehicles were fully repaired. Moreover, he conducts restorations and solders radiators. Affected by noxious fumes, he disregards the damage to his health and always carries out his tasks on schedule ...’

Awarded a further Medal for Combat Service by the Decree of 5 November 1954.

With seven photocopies of official Russian documents confirming the above and with some translations.