Soviet Guards Junior Sergeant Mikhail Petrovich Smadik

[Ed_Haynes]

Guards Junior Sergeant Mikhail Petrovich Smadik, 22nd Guards Cavalry Regiment, 5th Guards Cavalry Division

"Just" a single Glory III, rather worn, #336919.

Edited December 8, 2007 by Ed_Haynes

[Ed_Haynes]

No document, but researched (and partially translated).

The awards record card, obverse.

[Ed_Haynes]

And even though untranslated, it is obvious much is missing.

The reverse:

[Ed_Haynes]

Where are his bravery medals?? #s 2361901 and 2209460????

Glory III recommendation, part 1.

[Ed_Haynes]

The interesting stuff, part 2.

(And don't worry, this recommendation is translated!)

[Ed_Haynes]

But, first, let's get it moved up the chain of command:

[Ed_Haynes]

And.

[Ed_Haynes]

The translated recommendation:

[Ed_Haynes]

Many thanks for any fleshing-out and hole-filling that the Wise Ones can add.

[Guest Rick Research]

Komsomol since 1941, not CPSU.

"56" is very specific-- did he make notches on his gun stock?

[Ed_Haynes]

Well, if you'd been exterminiating fascists, especially "with the blade", I suspect you'd want a careful count made too?

[Guest Rick Research]

I am picturing a sabre wielding Russian Billy the Kid.

Forgot to mention (busy busy day and still jubilatin' on my own finds) that while he was a Guards Junior Sergeant on his citation, when the Awards Record Card was filled out in 1947 he was mysteriously busted down two grades to Buck Private.

One senses a young Comrade with excessive personal initiative (his other citations are probably equally scary) who did not conform well to plan norms.

[Ed_Haynes]

I think your image may not be far off the mark, Rick. I am setting the s-l-o-w wheels turning to get the recommendations for the awards I do not have. Some may consider this a lunatic waste of money, I see it as completing the historical record.

[Riley1965]

Hello Ed,

WOW!!! That's another GREAT Glory III citation!!! I love the worn condition of the medal.

Doc

[landsknechte]

I am picturing a sabre wielding Russian Billy the Kid.

Heck, I'm picturing the Kurgan from Highlander...