Russia - Soviet: An Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class for wounds received awarded to Pyotr Dmitrievich Butarov, a Rifleman in the 402nd Rifle Regiment who was severely wounded in the head on 3rd March 1942 whilst fighting the Finns, leading to his discharge and long term disablement.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class, type 2, reverse numbered 729527
Condition: Good Very Fine
Pyotr Dmitrievich Butarov was born in the village of Novoselki, Aleninsky District, Kalinin Oblast in 1913, and became a member of the Communist Party in July 1925! He served in the Red Army between 25th October 1935 and 1937, before returning to service on 23rd June 1941, the day after the outbreak of the war against Germany. This Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class was Butarov’s sole decoration during the Great Patriotic War and was awarded to him by decree of the Supreme Soviet on 6th November 1947 for wounds received as a Red Army Soldier and Rifleman, 402nd Rifle Regiment, Northwestern Front. The recommendation reads:
‘Red Army Soldier Butarov Pyotr Dmitrievich, as a private of the 402nd Rifle Regiment, fulfilled combat missions from Command in repulsing counterattacks. Without regards to dangers, with the remaining group of 4 men, he beat back the enemy, an remaining alone continued his resistance. On 03.03.1942, he was severely wounded in the head. Diagnosis – bullet wound penetrating the skull with pulsation of the brain in the area of the bone defect. After recuperation, he was deemed unfit for line service, an invalid of the Patriotic War 2nd group. At present in light of the serious consequences of his wound, he is not working. The wound is confirmed by a certificate.
For successful completion of missions from Command on the front of the struggle with the Finish invaders and for receiving a serious wound in the process. I motion to award the Order of Glory 3rd Class.
This award was later changed to an award of the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class as it made way up the chain of command.
Surviving the war, he later worked at the ‘Red Banner’ shoe factory in the city of Kaunas, Lithuania where he lived at 7 Bozhnichus Street.
