Russia – Soviet: An initial East Prussian offensive Order of Glory 3rd Class to Red Army Soldier Ivan Mikhailovich Ermolaev, Gun Layer of an Anti-Tank Rifle, 150th Guards Rifle Regiment, 50th Guards ‘Stalino’ Red Banner Order of Suvorov Rifle Division who during the attack on Grosse-Grakenen, set one of the German tanks on fire. The other tanks turned around, he provided another offive with first aid and carried him to a safe place during the same battle.
Order of Glory 3rd Class, type 2, the reverse numbered 181474
Condition, light toning, Good Very Fine
Ivan Mikhailovich Ermolaev was born in the village of Perutino, Ochakovsky District, city of Nikolaev, Ukraine. A Ukrainian national, he attained an elementary education before joining the Red Army in July 1941.
Ermolaev would be first decorated by decree of the 150th Guards Rifle Regiment on 26th August 1944, and then decorated for a second time with this Order of Glory 3rd Class by decree of the 50th Guards Rifle Division on 1st November 1944. Issued to him whilst serving as a Red Army Soldier and a Gun Layer, Anti-Tank Rifle, 150th Guards Rifle Regiment, 50th Guards ‘Stalino’ Red Banner Order of Suvorov Rifle Division, the recommendation reads:
‘On 22.10.1944 in the area of Grosse-Grakenen, the enemy counter-attacked sub units of the 3rd Rifle Battalion with infantry supported by tanks.
Anti-tank gun layer Guards Red Army Soldier Ermolaev moved forward, showing no fear under heavy enemy fire, and opened fire at the tanks from his anti-tank rifle. With accurate shots, he set one of the German tanks on fire. The other tanks turned around. The platoon commander, Guards Lt. Milaev, was wounded in the battle, Comrade Ermolaev provided him with first aid in difficult combat conditions and carried him to a safe place. For destroying an enemy tank, for merits in offensive battles, for valour and courage displayed, Comrade Ermolaev deserves the Government award the Order of Glory 3rd Class.’
The date of the act coincides with the initial Red Army attacks into East Prussia, which became the seen of much violence from the Red Army troops who found themselves on German soil for the first time and who were keen to seek revenge for the behaviours of the occupiers on Soviet lands over the previous 3 years.
Ermolaev would go on to receive a Medal for Combat Merits by decree of the 150th Rifle Regiment on 6th July 1945, and Medals for the Capture of Konigsberg and the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War.
By July 1947 he was working at the Mel’mash Factory in the city of Nikolaev, Ukraine, also being a resident of the city.
