Russia – Soviet: A Crossing of the Vistula Order of Glory 3rd Class awarded to Efreitor Dmitry Nikolaevich Borodkin, a Gunlayer of a 45mm gun in the 1232nd Rifle Regiment, 370th Red Banner Rifle Division for his gallantry during the crossing of the Vistula River on 31st July 1944 when he was among the first companies to cross, immediately upon landing on the Western bank of the Vistula he opened fire on the enemy firing positions. Borodkin was a participant in the repulse of 7 counterattacks over the course of 1st and 2nd August 1944, thanks to his accurate aim, his gun destroyed 2 and suppressed 5 enemy firing positions.
Order of Glory 3rd Class, type 2, reverse numbered 164697
Condition: Toned, Good Very Fine
Dmitry Nikolaevich Borodkin was born in the village of Prilun, Semyonovsky Selsovet, Vologda Oblast, Vologda Oblast in 1925. A Russian national he attained an elementary education and joined the Red Army in January 1943. He would receive three decorations during the Great Patriotic War, the first of which was a Medal for Bravery issued to him by decree of the 370th Rifle Division on 25th August 1944.
The next award on Borodkin’s record card is an Order of Glory 2nd Class issued to him by decree of the 69th Army on 8th October 1944, this out of sequence award would be as a result of a slow completion of a recommendation for this award of the Order of Glory 3rd Class which was eventually awarded by decree of the 370th Rifle Division but which was for actions on 31st July and 1st/2nd August 1944.
Issued to him whilst serving as Efreitor, Gunlayer, 45mm Gun, 1232nd Rifle Regiment, 370th Red Banner Rifle Division, the recommendation reads:
At 07.00 on 31st July 1944, Comrade Borodkin was among the first rifle companies to force the Vistula on a boat under enemy fire in the area of Nasikow. Immediately upon landing on the western bank of the Vistula, the gun crew opened fire on enemy firing positions, which facilitated the successful crossing of the regiment’s sub units across the Vistula. Comrade Borodkin was a participant in the repulse of 7 counterattacks over the course of 1st and 2nd August 1944. Thanks to his accurate aim, the gun destroyed 2 and suppressed 5 enemy firing positions. Comrade Borodkin deserves awarding of the Order of Glory 3rd Class.’
The crossing of the Vistula River was significant in that it allowed the Red Army to build up forces on the west bank which would later in January break out to rapidly capture the remainder of Poland and bring their forces to the River Oder and the gates of Berlin.
Surviving the war, by 7th March 1946 he was working as a Foreman at the Kubyshev Paper Factory, city of Sokol, Vologda Oblast whilst living within the city.
