Russia – Soviet: A Gun Commander’s Kurland Order of Glory 3rd Class awarded to Sergeant Aleksandr Ivanovich Matyushkin, 6th Battery, 220th Artillery Regiment, 201st ‘Gatchina’ Red Banner Rifle Division for destroying a log bunker, and suppressing a heavy machine gun, on 18th March 1945 he repulsed 2 enemy counterattacks, destroying 8 German soldiers in the process.
Order of Glory 3rd Class, revere numbered 281471
Condition: Good Very Fine
Aleksandr Ivanovich Matyushkin was born in the village of Svirkovo, Mosalsky District, Kaluga Oblast in 1918. A Russian national he attained an elementary education before serving with the Red Army from September 1939.
He would be first awarded a Medal for Bravery by a decree of the 22nd March 1942, and then a second Medal for Bravery by Decree of the 220th Artillery Regiment on 9th March 1944.
This Order of Glory 3rd Class would be awarded to him by decree of the 201st Artillery Division on 2nd April 1945 whilst serving as a Sergeant and Gun Commander, 6th Battery, 220th Artillery Regiment, 201st ‘Gatchina’ Red Banner Rifle Division, the citation reading:
‘In battles to breach the enemy defences in northern Courland since 15th March 1945, Sergeant Matyushkin has displayed courage and bravery.
With his gun, 1 log bunker was destroyed and the fire of 1 heavy machine gun was suppressed. On 18th March 1945, he repulsed 2 enemy counterattacks, destroyed 8 German soldiers in the process.
Conclusion: For valour displayed, and for destroying enemy troops and equipment, Sergeant Matyushkin deserves awarding the Order of Glory 3rd Class.’
He would also later receive a Medal for the Victory over Germany.
After the war he is noted as unemployed and living in the village of Svirskovo, Mosalsky District, Kaluga Oblast.
