Russia – Soviet: A Vistula-Oder Offensive Medal for Bravery awarded to Sergeant Vladimir Andrianovich Gradov, Rifle Company, 28th ‘Vyborg’ Rifle Regiment, 90th ‘Ropsha’ Red Banner, Order of Suvorov Rifle Division who served as a Mortarman on a 50mm mortar

Russia – Soviet: A Vistula-Oder Offensive Medal for Bravery awarded to Sergeant Vladimir Andrianovich Gradov, Rifle Company, 28th ‘Vyborg’ Rifle Regiment, 90th ‘Ropsha’ Red Banner, Order of Suvorov Rifle Division who served as a Mortarman on a 50mm mortar. A rare triple recipient of the Medal for Bravery, this his second would be awarded for suppressing three enemy firing positions that were impeding the advance of the infantry, while later repelling an enemy counterattack, he exterminated 7 Germans with intense mortar fire.

Medal for Bravery, type 2, reverse numbered 2870930

Condition: red enamel from lettering missing, Very Fine

Vladimir Andrianovich Gradov was born in the village of Petryaevo, Ulomsky District, Vologda Oblast in 1925. A Russian national, he completed 5 grades of education before joining the Red Army on 8th January 1943. He would be awarded his first Medal for Bravery by decree of the Commander of the 90th Rifle Division on 19th March 1944, and an Order of Glory 3rd Class by decree of the 90th Rifle Division on 30th September 1944, he would receive this, his second Medal for Bravery by decree of the 90th Rifle Division on 9th February 1945.

Awarded whilst serving as a Sergeant and Mortar Man, 50mm Mortar, Rifle Company, 286th ‘Vyborg’ Rifle Regiment, 90th ‘Ropsha’ Red Banner, Order of Suvorov Rifle Division as a result of the following recommendation:

‘In battles for the enemy’s defenses in the area of the village of Czarnastow on 15th January 1945, with fire from his mortar, he suppressed three enemy firing positions that were impeding the advance of our infantry.

In the same battle, while repelling an enemy counterattack, he exterminated 7 Germans with intense mortar fire.’

He would later receive a third Medal for Bravery on 18th March 1945, this being issued in the field and with a temporary certificate. He would also receive the medals for the Defence of Leningrad, 30th Anniversary of the Soviet Army and Navy and the Medal for the Victory over Germany, as well as a Medal for Combat Merits for 10 years long service.

He would still be serving as the Commander of an 82mm mortar crew, as part of the Vystrel Courses, Independent Rifle Battalion on 14th April 1947 whilst living back in his home village of Petryaevo, Ulomsky District, Vologda Oblast.