Egorka

You are not the one who sold it to me? Just kidding. Thanks for the comment!

Are not these sold by weight on eBay?

Interesting. Good find, Bill! Some extra information could be interesting. It appears ARTEMOVA was wounded second time at the very end of November 1943. she was in the hospital for the next 4 moths until end of March 1944, when she was released with "not fit for active service" verdict. She was a teacher (Secondary school #10, Leningrad), married (to Daniil Ivanovich), and from Leningrad. She volunteered for military service in 1942 in Tambov district, so this means she managed to evacuate from the besieged Leningrad. This is her release form after hospital. Blue crayon is the "not fit for active service" resolution, so it looks like she was not lightely wounded. Also it appears she was wounded back in April 1943 and in October 1943. But we know from citation, that in October she was wounded twice. So she was actually wounded at least 3 times during her service. The locations of actions in October 1943.

One more historical document is soiled by greedy hands... Shameful!

Wanted to say this is another cousin, but got it today and think it is fake one. I took a chance and blew it. What do you think? Magnetic. 3 peice construction But no seam on the edge. And it is a notch, but visibly, thinner than the cross in the oppening post. The core is not perfectly centered. Some paint on the inner rim indicating at least repainting. Also some weird artefacts on the silver rims... Got from a British eBay. There was no direct claim it was original, returns not accepted. Well life experience is priceless isn't it?

Mine sweeper "Т-484", project 254. Mine sweeper "Т-729", project 255. Target ship radio control vessel "Vistrel" (former German radio control vessel "Blitz", before 1932 it was a mine layer). Here it is as a mine layer: And here is the the "Blitz" seen against the target ship. Still German. "Hessen" after after it was converted to target ship, after 1937. SMS "Hessen" as German battleship.

Note 2 distinct stages in the hero's service after graduation in Nov 1941. The first year he was serving in a Naval Rifle Brigade commanding mortar battalion Karelian front. Only later was he relocated to actual naval theatre of operations. Here is the map of positions of 80th Naval Rifle Brigade at Karelain front, 2 Aug 1942. Mortar unit marked.

Rabinovich Sh. S. carrier record: Cadet 1938 Lieutenant, Nov 1941 Sr. Lieutenant , June 1942 Lieutenant-commander, 1942 Subcommander, Aug 1943 Commander, March 1951 Captain, Jan 1959 Discharged with honor Sept 1960. Lived in Sevastopol. Rabinovich Sh. S. service record: Cadet of Black Sea Higher Naval Nakhimov School / 1938 Commander of the detached mortar battalion of 80th Naval Rifle Brigade / Nov 1941 Cadet of Lieutenant courses of Karelian front / Dec 1942 01/Oct/1943 sent to Baltic Fleet. First mate, armour boat / 04 Oct 1943 Armor boat "BK-513" (shipyard designation MBK-568), First mate and later the Captain / Oct 1944 Mine sweeper "Т-484", Captain / Aug 1946 Mine sweeper "Т-729", Captain / Apr 1948 Patrol boat "Berkut", Captain / Jan 1949. Target ship radio control vessel "Vistrel" (former German "Blitz"), Captain / Nov 1950. Target ship radio control vessel "UTs-6" (former German mine layer "T-17"), Captain / Apr 1951. Target hip "Tsel'" (former German battleship "Hessen"), First mate; Simultaneously he is chief of staff of the radio controlled ships of Baltic Fleet/ Dec 1952. From Nov 1954 occupied several different positions in the naval schools of Baltic Fleet. Discharged with honor Sept 1960. Lived in Sevastopol.

Remarkable, Lars! Excellent present! God Jul, Lars!

Commander Rabinovich Sh.S. served on the Armored motorboat MBK-513 (project 161, built June 1944). He later early in 1945 became the Captain of MBK-513 (was dismantled in November 1957). MBK-513 of the project 161 built in 1944 (20 constructed in total; 10 in 1943 and 10 in 1944 with some modifications): Crew 39 men; length 37.5m; draught 1.3m; displacement 163 tons ; speed 13.1 knots; range 330 miles. Weapon system: two 76mm cannons in T-34 turrets, one 37m automatic cannon, two 45mm semiautomatic cannons, two 12,7mm machine-guns.

Citation for Red Banner order 150463 for Moonsund Landing Operation: Executed battle missions during transition from Koivisto islands-Tallinn-Kuressaare and later operations for capture of Saaremaa island. Battles with enemy ships 19, 21, 22 November. Had the role of navigator for the boat detachment and showed exceptional courage and boldness. In high mine threat conducted the armor boat detachment from Koivisto to Kuressaare. Was at all times on the bridge of the leading boat giving navigation directions to the detachment during the operation for liberation of Saaremaa and battles against enemy ships. This allowed for precise and accident free operations. Personally spotted and corrected the main caliber fire in suppressing one heavy artillery battery and two machine gun nests, which assaulted our boats and infantry. Skilfully planned and changed boats course during the battle maximising effectiveness of the fire, at the same time avoiding enemy fire. In all operations presented examples of professionalism, naval skills and personal courage. Worthy of awarding order of "Red Banner". Signed: Captain of the 5th ОМБК БШК БФ (Armored Coastal Boat brigade of the Baltic Fleet), Captain Lieutenant TUNGUSKOV, 22/XI-44.

Hello! And Merry Christmass! Please, meet Captain Rabinovich Shmul-Izek Semenovich (b.1920). In service since 1938, when after graduating school he entered the Black Sea Higher Naval order of the Red Star Nakhimov School (ЧВВМУ). Graduated 15/Nov/1941. Here is the hero in the centre as the Captain of the target ship "Цель" (Target), 1953. The identity is not 100% confirmed though... just 95% confirmed. The Red Banner order awarded to Commander Rabinovich Sh.S. in November 1944. Note, that the order has been customised from medal-ribbon brooch to screw back.This was a common practice among naval personnel, pilots and tank troops. They found it to be more practical.

OK. Point taken.

In what universe does it amount to 7500?

Does such bar imply that the awardee passed away before 1934 when the Hindenburg cross was issued?

Yammi!

MERRY CHRISTMASS! Hark the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn king" Peace on earth, and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled Joyful all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With angelic host proclaim "Christ is born in Bethlehem" Hark the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn king"

Thank you for help!

Nice! The case is fluffy...

I am really lacking knowledge here. Please advise on this small bar. Does all look legit? Wanted to treat myself with my first EK... But without help of the mighty GMIC I don't dare. Thanks!!!

Or one could put it even simpler: he is a notch ready...

Yes, Paul. Swedish "Götiska Förbundet". http://gmic.co.uk/topic/69658-help-id-the-badgemedal/

Would not it be possible for a person to change position during the conflict, so that first non-combat distinction is earned, and then later combat one?

Who would expect... two awards came to my colection from opposite sides of the globe, yet the awardees served practically tougher, supporting the same rifle unit at the same time and on the same theatre of operation... Two pieces of the puzzle have just clicked tougher... Kniazev on his T-34 (226 Tank regiment) and Lihomanov on his SU-76 (8 SABR) were both supporting 34 Guards Rifle Corps, 5 Gu.A in January 1945.

Respect guys, for all that hard core research you do!