Measures 6" x 8". The form was typed up on a plain sheet of paper. The letter congratulates Kozin with being promoted to the next rank of Captain, and expresses assurances that he will continue fighting the German invaders with more energy and hatred until complete destruction of Hitler's hordes. Тhe letter is hand-signed by Commander of the 63rd Rifle Division, also by the name of Kozin. Kozin is not a very rare Russian last name but far less common than the proverbial Ivanov, Petrov, and suchlike. However, judging by the patronymic, they were not father and son.

In excelle

Measures 6" x 8". The form was typed up on a plain sheet of paper. The letter congratulates Kozin with being promoted to the next rank of Captain, and expresses assurances that he will continue fighting the German invaders with more energy and hatred until complete destruction of Hitler's hordes. Тhe letter is hand-signed by Commander of the 63rd Rifle Division, also by the name of Kozin. Kozin is not a very rare Russian last name but far less common than the proverbial Ivanov, Petrov, and suchlike. However, judging by the patronymic, they were not father and son.

In excellent condition. The edges are a little frayed; both ends of the horizontal fold line and the bottom end of the vertical one show the beginning of separations, insignificant and easily repairable if desired. Overall, the paper is mildly and evenly age-toned, and still quite pliant, not brittle. All the typed and handwritten text, signatures, and the divisional seal are clear and perfectly legible.

The 63rd Rifle Division, 21st Army, was formed on 14 July 1942 from the 8th NKVD Motorized Division. In early August, the 63rd was holding part of the Don River bridgehead at Serafimovich, north-west of Stalingrad. On 19 November, the key of the northern part of the Soviet Uran counteroffensive was launched from this bridgehead. In the following week, the 63rd took part in the destruction of most of the Rumanian 3rd Army, covering the outer flank of the Soviet forces encircling the German 6th Army in Stalingrad. For its part in these successful offensive actions, the 63rd Rifle became the 52nd Guards Rifle Division.

For his action in combat during the Battle of Stalingrad, Kozin was awarded with the Order of the Red Star. The award document cites three episodes for which Kozin was commended. On 8 August 1942, in the vicinity of the village of Kozinovskiy (south-east of Serafimovich), Kozin "facilitated crossing of the Don River" under enemy artillery fire, which resulted in successful crossing of his division without loss of troops or materiel. On 28 October, Kozin with his battalion defused 140 mines under enemy fire during the attack near Hill 163.3. On 9 December, Kozin and a detachment from his battalion, while on a reconnaissance mission to the south of the village of Marinovka, constructed a temporary bridge across the Karpovka River under heavy machine gun fire, using locally available materials. By that time, Kozin's 63rd Rifle had become the 52nd Guards Rifle Division and was preparing for Operation "Ring," the final encircling of the German forces at Stalingrad.

His other decorations include Order of the Patriotic War 1st class (1943), Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class (1944), Order of the Red Banner (1945), Order of the Red Star (1953), and several medals.

This is a very rare Battle of Stalingrad document in that the first days of November 1942 were perhaps the only few days of relative lull in the great meat grinder of the Battle of Stalingrad when opportunity appeared to catch up on promotions, type up and sign a letter of congratulations. Preparations for the Uran Soviet counteroffensive were underway; the troops could draw a breath and recoup in anticipation of the order to attack.

Research Materials: photo copy of the award document for the Order of the Red Star, obtained from the Russian archival site podvignaroda.ru.

Please note that the pen in our photo is for size reference.
$195.00  Add to cart