Russia – Soviet: An East Prussian offensive Tank Driver's Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class awarded to Starshina Viktor Eystafevich Lukovitsy, a Driver Mechanic, 293rd Engineering Tank Regiment, 5th Army, 3rd Belarussian Front who was wounded in the fighting near Smolensk before recuperating and seeing service as a Tank Driver, when whilst breaching the German defences in East Prussia on 16th October 1944 he would be severely wounded a second time in the left leg with the result it was amputated.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class, flatback reverse, the reverse numbered 884810
Condition: Good Very Fine
Viktor Evstafevich Lukovitsky was born in the city of Polotsk in 1923. A Belorussian national he attained an elementary education he served in the Red Army from 1941 and on the frontlines from April 1942 onwards.
This Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class issued by decree of the Supreme Soviet on 30th May 1951 was Lukovitsy’s sole award of the war. Issued to him whilst serving as a Starshina and Driver-Mechanic, 293rd Engineering Tank Regiment, 5th Army, 3rd Belarussian Front, the citation reads:
‘Comrade Lukovitsy took part in battles with the German occupiers from April 1942 to October 1944, first as part of the 335th Rifle Regiment as a company Starshina and in battles outside the village of Kruzhaya, Smolensk Oblast, on 28th September 1943, suffered a severe wound in the left leg. After recuperating, Comrade Lukovitsy was again sent to the front. Taking part in battles with the enemy as part of the 293rd Engineering Tank Regiment in the position of tank driver, while breaching the German defences in East Prussia on 16th October 1944 he was severely wounded a second time in the left leg. As a result, the leg was amputated, and his movement is hindered.
For good service in the army, he received numerous gratitude certificates.
For active participation in battles with the German invaders and for wounds received, he deserves the government award fhte Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class.’
This recommendation would be downgraded to this award of the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class. Lukovitsy was also in receipt of a Medal for the Victory over Germany.
By 27th July 1951, he would be employed as a Manager at the Miorsky District Social Support Officer, Polotsk Oblast.
