Russia – Soviet: A Pskov-Ostrov operation minesweeping Order of Glory 3rd Class awarded to Efreitor P.G. Pershin, 29th Engineer-Sapper Brigade, 1st Shock Army who was decorated for his part in escorting tanks of the reconnaissance group across the Lzha river on 18th July 1944, he removed 25 enemy mines. He later eliminated three enemy soldiers in the village of Pezlovo.
Order of Glory 3rd Class, type 2, reverse numbered 112198
Condition: dark toned, Very Fine
Pyotr Grigorevich Pershin was born in the village of Pershino in Skakhunsky District, Gorky Oblast in 1908. A Russian national, he attained an elementary education and served in the Red Army from 9th July 1941 until 20th November 1945.
He would first be decorated with a Medal for Combat Merits by decree of the 1st Guards Army on 30th April 1944, before then being issued this Order of Glory 3rd Class by decree of the 1st Shock Army on 17th August 1944 whilst serving as an Efreitor and Sapper in the 187th Engineer-Sapper Battalion and as a result of the following recommendation:
‘Carrying out a combat mission to escort tanks from the 16th Tank Brigade, Efreitor Pershin handled the assigned task excellently, displaying therein the exemplar of bravery and courage.
On the morning of 18.7.1944, escorting the tanks of the reconnaissance group across the river Lzha in the area of the village of Volosovo, Efreitor Pershin, in the group of Junior Sergeant Fedupov, was first into the water, showing the tanks the axis of crossing. The enemy on the western bank of the river Lzha was crushed and cast aside. Pursuing the enemy, Efreitor Pershin cleared the way towards the village of Pezlovo of mines for the tanks. He removed 25 enemy mines. In battle for the village of Pezlovo on 19.7.44, Efreitor Pershin eliminated three enemy soldiers. Efreitor Pershin with Junior Sergeant Fedupov’s group, detected and neutralised three delayed action mines in the village of Pezlovo. For excellent and skilful performance of combat missions, Efreitor Pershin is recommended for the government award the Order of Glory 3rd Class.’
He was also awarded both the Medal for the Victory over Germany and the Medal for the Victory over Japan.
After the war he worked as a Kholkoz chairman in Shakhunsky District, Gorky Oblast whilst living in the village of Chernoye.
