Excellent condition, very uncommon for this WW2 soldier's award. The obverse shows practically no wear beside a few tiny, barely noticeable dings to the edge. The original red lacquer is almost completely intact, showing only the trademark craquelure and only some microscopic flakes - unusually well-preserved. The raised details of the tank and airplanes are pristine and exceptionally crisp. There are some very minor scuffs on the reverse that are not detractive, no significant wear. Both sides exhibit an extremely attractive dark patina to silver.

Comes on an original suspension device, a WW2 double-layer model in steel with a self-locking pin. The old, possibly original ribbon is very nicely preserved and sound; it shows only a minor wear at the edges and light soiling that does not detract from the appearance of the medal and actually adds character. The connecting link appears to be original; its ends are still joined with solder. Overall, this is a superb example of WW2 Valor Medal.

Medal for Valor, Type 2 Var. 1, #2328193. Silver, lacquer; measures 43.3 mm in height incl. eyelet, 37.3 mm wide; weighs 27.6 g not including the suspension and connecting link.

In fine condition. The eyelet has been expertly replaced, as evident from solder and file marks next to it on the rim and raised edge of the medallion; there is also a carefully refilled hole just under the eyelet (the original owner apparently drilled it to reattach the medal to the suspension as a temporary measure, not an uncommon solution). Unlike most other such instances however, the restoration work was done professionally and is noticeable only at very close inspection. The lacquer in the letters is almost completely intact, having only a couple of tiny, barely noticeable chips - which is highly uncommon for the WW2 version of the medal. There is a single vertical scratch across the medallion and some minor contact marks on the recessed field, but the raised details of the artwork are extremely well-preserved and crisp. There are some very minor scuffs on the reverse that are not detractive, no significant wear. Attractive dark patina to the silver throughout, perfectly matching that on the other Valor Medal.

Comes on an original suspension device, a WW2 double-layer model in steel with a self-locking pin. The old, possibly original ribbon is very nicely preserved and sound; it shows only a very light soiling and light wear at the edges, and presents extremely well. Note that it perfectly matches the ribbon on the other Valor Medal. The connecting link appears to be original; its ends are still joined with solder. Overall, this is a superb example of WW2 Valor Medal.

The Medal Certificate, #23467, issued on 23 November 1946, is a booklet with cloth-bound cover, similar in format to the contemporary orders booklets. The group is complete: the two Medals for Valor are the only decorations listed in the document (the Russian military archival websites confirm that the recipient apparently had no other numbered WW2 decorations). The starting date for special privileges is September 1944, which corresponds with an August award date of the first Medal for Valor.

The document is outstanding, excellent condition. Both the cover and interior are perfectly clean and show practically no wear beside the normal age toning to the paper. The binding is tight. The internal pages are crisp and soundly attached.

Nikita Kulik was born in 1905 in a village of the Voroshilovgrad (now Luhansk) Region in Ukraine. He was drafted into the Soviet Army in July 1944. In August, after the bootcamp training, he was assigned as a sapper to the 440th Rifle Regiment, 64th Rifle Division, 49th Army, 2nd Belorussian Front. In late July - early August 1944, the 49th was very active in the final part of the Operation Bagration, mopping up the encircled and mostly destroyed Army Group Center. The German command managed to pull in some fresh forces, about ten divisions strong, organized a line of defense in the northwest of Belorussia, and undertook several counterattacks aimed at the junction between the 50th and 3rd Armies. The 49th deployed in a 40-km front line south of the village of Lasha and began advancing west toward the fortress of Osowiec. By mid-August, the fortress was captured, most of the Augustow forests near it were cleared of the enemy, and the army reached the Biebrza River in Poland. On 13 August 1944, in the fighting for possession of Osowiec, Private Kulik, moving ahead of the advancing infantry, disarmed 13 antitank mines, creating a lane for his regiment's infantry to pass through without loss of life. For his skill and bravery under fire, Kulik was recommended for the Medal for Valor which was awarded to him on 26 August 1944.

Private Kulik earned the second Medal for Valor eight months later. At the time, his 440th Rifle Regiment and the 64th Rifle Division were attached to the 33 Army, 1st Belorussian Front. The Front, commanded by Marshal Zhukov, played the central role in the Soviet assault on Berlin. Kulik's 440th was positioned on the banks of the Oder to the south of Frankfurt on the Oder and on 20 April was engaged in fierce battle against the 32nd Panzer Grenadier Division of the 9th Army. On that day, Kulik disarmed 20 mines providing a safe corridor for the attacking infantry of his regiment. During several German counterattacks, Kulik held his forward position and killed four enemy soldiers with his rifle and hand grenades. For his actions, his regiment commander recommended Kulik for the Medal for Valor which was bestowed upon him on 14 May 1945.

Research Materials: b/w photocopy of the relevant parts of the award decrees containing citations for both Medals for Valor.