Silver, enamels; 45.9 mm tall; 48.2 mm wide; weighs 31.7 g without the screw plate. Features a mint mark approx. 9 mm wide. The reverse is relatively flat except for a pronounced depression near the bottom. This specimen was manufactured in 1945 at the Moscow Mint. Note that there is a correction to the last two digits of the serial number, obviously made by the engraver to fix an error. Judging by the style of the engraving, it was undoubtedly done at the mint - not a rouge alteration.

In excellent condition. The enamel is beautifully preserved and shows a very nice luster. There are a few microscopic contact marks but no flaking or any other wear visible to the naked eye. The center medallion is likewise nearly pristine, having only a couple of minuscule scratches invisible without magnification, no significant wear; its raised details are exceptionally well preserved and crisp. There is a very attractive patina to silver on both sides. The screw post is full length, approx. 12.5 mm; original WW2-era screw plate is included.

Order Booklet #A-395350 was issued on 7 December 1946. It contains entries for three decorations, including two Red Stars and a Medal for Valor #51231. The starting date for special privileges is June 1942, which corresponds with the May 1942 award decree for the Medal for Valor - chronologically the first decoration.

The order booklet is in very good to excellent condition. The cover shows light wear and fading but is still tight and sound. The interior pages are immaculately clean, crisp, and firmly attached.

Dmitry Naletov was born in 1907 and joined the Red Army January 1942. Starting from April of that year, he was at the front near Rzhev serving as Private artilleryman with the 130th Separate Rifle Brigade, 30th Army, Kalinin Front. During the following month, he earned his first decoration, a Medal for Valor, by performing a very unusual feat: he was a part of the crew of 78-mm field gun which managed to shoot down a Henschel Hs 126 reconnaissance aircraft by a direct hit.

By October 1944 Naletov had been promoted to corporal and become a recon scout of the 571st Artillery Regiment, 154th Rifle Division, 6th Guards Army, 1st Baltic Front. In this capacity, he conducted several successful reconnaissance missions in the Baltics in late October - early November, spotting a number of enemy machine gun nests that were subsequently destroyed by the artillery. He also discovered a large group of Nazi troops and tanks preparing for a counterattack. For these achievements, he was awarded with an Order of the Red Star on 24 November 1944.

Naletov earned his final decoration of the war, the Order of the Red Star #2613538, during the offensive from 2 - 6 February 1945 near the town of Bartenstein in East Prussia (this town has since been ceded to Poland and renamed Bartoszyce). Once again, he conducted a highly successful reconnaissance of the enemy frontline position, discovering 10 machine-gun nests, an observation post, and an antitank gun. All of these targets were subsequently destroyed by his artillery squadron thus clearing the path of advance for the regiment's infantry.

Research Materials: photocopy of the award commendations for all three decorations. Information about the 154th Rifle Division can be found in Vol. 10 Red Swarm of Charles Sharp's WW2 Soviet Order of Battle series.