Russia - Soviet: A Final Relief of Leningrad Order of the Red Star awarded to Senior Lieutenant of the Reserves Vladimir Ivanovich Marshev, a Mortar Company Commander, 103rd Rifle Regiment, 85th ‘Pavlovsk’ Red Banner Rifle Division who saw service on the Leningrad Front from 1942 onwards, and was involved in the destruction of numerous troops and heavy machine guns while suppressing 25 firing positions, he later demolished 50 metres of trenches and 6 light machine guns.
Order of the Red Star, type 2, with curved upwards 8mm mint mark, the reverse numbered 646847
Condition: some scratches and dents to the enamel, Very Fine
Vladimir Ivanovich Marshev was born in Leningrad in 1904 and saw a brief period of service in 1926 and 1927, before being recalled in 1942 and seeing service on the Leningrad Front during the defence of the city. Serving on the Leningrad Front he was involved in the relieving of the siege of the city in early 1944 and the subsequent offensive towards the Estonian border. He would be awarded this Order of the Red Star by Order of the 85th ‘Pavlovsk’ Red Banner Rifle Division on 23rd June 1944, for an act of gallantry whilst serving as a Lieutenant and Mortar Company Commander, 103rd Rifle Regiment, 85th ‘Pavlovsk’ Red Banner Rifle Division. The recommendation for the award reading:
‘In offensive battles from 1st February to 9th April 1944, Lieutenant Marshev destroyed up to a battalion of the enemy’s troops and more than 10 roving heavy machine guns, and suppressed 25 firing positions. From 5 to 9 April, outside the village of Lapinka, having understood the task clearly and having organised co-ordination with the infantry, he lay down a constant fire over the course of the battle, in spite of heavy enemy artillery. While consolidating the line, he dispersed up to a company of the enemy that was concentrated in the front line for a counterattack. He demolished 50m of trenches and smashed 6 light machine guns in open areas. For boldness, bravery and initiative displayed, he deserves recommendation for the Order of the Red Star.’
This was Marshev’s sole numbered award of the Great Patriotic War, his only other noted entitlement being that of a Medal for the Defence of Leningrad.
After the war he would work as a Factory architect at the ‘Vulcan’ Factory whilst still a resident of the city of Leningrad.
