Russia – Soviet: A Warsaw and Berlin Campaigns Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class awarded to Lieutenant Colonel N.V. Demertash, the Chief of Staff of the 79th Independent Road Operation Battalion for his services in carrying out guard duty, operating as part of a blocking detachment and controlling traffic ensuring transports to the front got through, he had seen earlier service at Stalingrad and was to receive a Medal for the defence of that city.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class, type 2, numbered 524166
Condition: Good Very Fine
Lieutenant Colonel Nikolai Vladimirovich Demertash was born in the city of Kiev during 1910. Having attained a higher education, he joined the Red Army upon the outbreak of war on 22nd June 1941 and served throughout the war being decorated with a number of awards.
Demertash’s first award was an Order of the Red Star issued to him by Order of the 48th Army on 29th November 1943, this was followed by this Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class awarded to him as a Major and as the Chief of Staff of the 79th Independent Road Operation Battalion on the back of the following citation:
‘Major Demertash, who has been serving as battalion Chief of Staff since November 15, 1944, has managed to organise the staff’s duties in a proper and efficient manner. Led by comrade Demertash the staff has efficiently handled all tasks assigned by the unit commander.
During our front’s offensive operations in the Warsaw and Berlin campaigns, when the battalion was advancing rapidly, he carried out various serious and crucial tasks, carrying out guard duty, serving as a blocking detachment, handling traffic control, and serving the 1st and 2nd echelons of the Front Staff.
Although the battalion’s men were widely spread out, comrade Demertash managed to assign his men and equipment in such a manner that they could execute their commander’s diverse orders regarding road supervision, traffic control and lodging.
When the situation required comrade Demertash’s immediate assistance, he spared no effort and faced the cold and foul weather. He was on the road for days on end, dissolving traffic jams and ensuring transports to the front could get through.’
The recommendation was signed by the Commander of the 79th Independent Road Operation Battalion, Major Semyonov.
Demertash would later receive a Medal for Combat Merit for 10 years long service on 19th November 1951, and an Order of the Red Star for 15 years long service on 30th December 1956. For his wartime service he was also to receive a Medal for the Defence of Stalingrad, a Medal for the Liberation of Warsaw, a Medal for the Victory over Germany and a Medal for the 30th Anniversary of the Soviet Army and Navy.
At the time of receipt of his final award, Demertash was still employed in the Red Army as the Chief of the Chemical Service of the 1176th Antiaircraft Artillery Regiment, whilst a resident of Apartment 42, 55 Obvodny Canal, Leningrad.
