Silver, enamels; measures 46.8 mm in height, 49.2 mm in width; weighs 28.0 g without the screw plate. Features flared edges and well pronounced depression to the reverse of the hammer and sickle emblem. The mint mark is in a very small font with a slightly curved-up upper line.

In excellent condition. The enamel retains its trademark luster and appears almost perfect to the unaided eye; although it has some miniscule contact marks, they are mostly unnoticeable without magnification. There are no chips, flaking or rubbing. The center medallion is nearly pristine showing almost n

Silver, enamels; measures 46.8 mm in height, 49.2 mm in width; weighs 28.0 g without the screw plate. Features flared edges and well pronounced depression to the reverse of the hammer and sickle emblem. The mint mark is in a very small font with a slightly curved-up upper line.

In excellent condition. The enamel retains its trademark luster and appears almost perfect to the unaided eye; although it has some miniscule contact marks, they are mostly unnoticeable without magnification. There are no chips, flaking or rubbing. The center medallion is nearly pristine showing almost none of the usual wear to the high points; its raised details are exceptionally well preserved and crisp. Attractive toning to silver on both sides. The screw post is of full length, well over 11.5 mm long, and includes an original WW2 era screw plate in silver. Overall, a very attractive, relatively early piece.

Vasiliy Nikitin was born in 1913 and joined the Red Army in September 1941. Starting from February 1942, he took part in the defense of Leningrad and by the early spring of 1944, had been wounded at least once and promoted to senior lieutenant. A rifle company (#36744) with the 863rd Rifle Regiment, 196th Rifle Division, 108th Rifle Corps, 42nd Army, Leningrad Front, Sr. Lt. Nikitin distinguished himself in the Soviet Leningrad - Novgorod offensive that lifted the siege and drove the Germans away from Leningrad. On 5 March 1944, two months into the offensive, Nikitin led his already badly depleted company in an assault on the village Zhidivin Bor. After crossing four lines of barbed wire, the survivors of the company managed to seize 8 German pillboxes made of reenforced concrete. Exhibiting exceptional skills and valor, Nikitin and his men captured 5 machine guns, 3 grenade launchers, 30 rifles, and 10 submachine guns. They also eliminated 120 German soldiers and took 30 POWs. For this extraordinary feat, Nikitin was awarded with his first decoration of the war, an Order of the Red Banner (#36744) on 27 April 1944.

While his first award commendation was still making its way through the chain of command, Nikitin once again showed outstanding leadership and bravery in the battles for the village of Staroselye that took place from 7-10 April. Leading the charge, he was the first to break into the village. When the Germans counterattacked on the following night, Nikitin not only successfully organized the defense, but also manned a machine gun after its crew fell in action. On 14 April, he was recommended for the Order of the Red Star by his regiment commander; the award was bestowed by a general order of the 196th Rifle Division commander on 9 May 1944 - exactly one year before the Victory Day (as it would be celebrated in the Soviet Union.)

The Orders of the Red Banner and Red Star remained Nikitin's only decorations of the war beside the medals for the Defense of Leningrad and Victory over Germany. In all likelihood, he suffered a serious injury in the latter part of the war. As of October 1946, albeit still considered an officer of the reserves, he was out of active service in the military and was studying at the Leningrad boarding school for invalids of the Patriotic War (his "student" position apparently meant that he was studying some new work skills that would allow him to remain productive in spite of his handicap.)

Research Materials: photocopy of the award record card and award commendations for both combat decorations. Information about the 196th Rifle Division is available in Volume X Red Swarm of Charles Sharp's "Soviet Order of Battle" series.
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