Document for a Medal for the Defense of Sevastopol, awarded on 1 July 1943 to Chief Master Sergeant Mikhail Milenko.

Note the issue date, extremely early for a defensive campaign document - most of them were awarded in 1944 or later. Shows stamp of the Reconnaissance Section, Headquarters, Black Sea Fleet (the stamp is faint but legible under bright light), and hand-signed by the department commander, Col. Namgaladze.

The Black Sea Fleet Reconnaissance Section or "Department" became legendary for its daring raids and seaborne assaults from the first days of the Patriotic War, striking deep behind the enemy lines during the battles for Odessa and especially Sevastopol. A true Naval Spetsnaz unit, it suffered terrible attrition in several unsuccessful raids such as the Yevpatoria landing, and most of its remaining sailors were killed in the desperate house-to-house battles in Sevastopol during the last days of the defense. Chief Master Sergeant Milenko was apparently one of the few lucky survivors.

The document is in good condition. Shows only minor separations along the folds on the edges that are common to documents of this type. No missing parts or water damage; the hand-written text is very clear and completely legible. An exceptionally interesting and uncommon campaign document to an NCO of Naval Special Forces!

Item# 29542

$220.00