Russia – Soviet: A first type Medal for Combat Merits awarded to Junior Sergeant S.V. Odaryukov, a Battery Artillery Armourer of the 126th Independent Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion of the Artillery Reserve of the Supreme High Command, repairing equipment, as a result his battery was able to shoot down 4 enemy planes in two months during the early summer of 1943.
Medal for Combat Merits, type 1, reverse numbered 395737
Condition: enamel missing from lettering, Very fine
Sergei Vasilevich Odaryukov was born in the city of Pology, Zaporozhskaya Oblast in 1920 and served in the Red Army between 1940 and 1945 and again from August 1947, becoming a member of the Communist Party in 1943.
This Medal for Combat Merit’s would be the first award that Odaryukov would receive, being issued to him by decree of the Commander of the 6th Army on 11th July 1943 as a result of the following recommendation:
‘During the Patriotic War with the German invaders, he has shown himself to be bold, enterprising and expertly knowledgeable about his work. He skilfully applies his knowledge in practical work. Notwithstanding the challenging situation in the air and on the ground, Comrade Odaryukov repairs equipment directly at the firing positions.
Thanks to his precision and skilful work, the battery’s guns are always found in working order and combat readiness.
The battery where Comrade Odaryukov works has shot down 4 enemy planes over the past 2 months.
He is disciplined and commands respect among the unit’s personnel. He deserves the government award the Medal for Combat Merits.’
Signed by Commander of the 126th Independent Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion of the Reserve of the Supreme High Command, Guards Major Boiko.
He would later receive a Medal for Combat Merits for 10 years long service on 30th December 1956. A Medal for the Victory over Germany and a Medal for the 30th Anniversary of the Soviet Army and Navy.
After the war, Odaryukov worked as an instructor-mechanic, Driving School, 51st Guards Rifle Division, Baltic Military District, whilst resident of a military unit at Paplaka, Priekule District, Latvia.
