Order of the Great Patriotic War 2nd class

[SovPha]

New addition to my collection - Order of the Great Patriotic War 2nd class #734512. This OGPW was awarded to Major (Engineer) Kaplan Efim Yurievich (YOB 1909). Efim Yurievich joined the Red Army in 1935 - city Makeevka, Stalin Region "Donetsk", Ukrainian SSR. 



Efim Yurievich was the recipient of following awards listed below.

12/05/1943 Medal "For Military Merit"
01/05/1944 Medal "For the Defense of the Caucasus"
25/04/1945 Order of the Red Star
09/05/1945 Medal "For the victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945."
19/06/1945 Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class
09/06/1945 Medal "For the Liberation of Warsaw"
26/10/1955 Order of the Red Banner
06/11/1945 Medal "For Military Merit"
15/11/1950 Order of the Red Star

I was able to take a photo from the award booklet itself (The family sold most of the awards and kept the award booklet).

Award list / Interesting fact: Efim Yurievich was awarded the OGPW 1st class but received the 2nd class.


Translation: During the period of crossing the Oder River and the conquest of the bridgehead in its west bank, Comrade Kaplan, proved himself as extremely brave and courageous. During the period of crossing the river Oder (see map 21.04.1945 and 24.04.1945), he was continuously within the battery, giving instructions to the chauffeurs and providing practical assistance to them, he ensured that during this period not a single vehicle was out of order. Thereby giving the regiment the opportunity to clearly and timely cross over to the western bank of the Oder River. During the conquest and expansion of the bridgehead on the west bank of the Oder River, 12 vehicles were damaged by the enemy’s artillery fire on April 21st - April 24th, 1945. Comrade Kaplan and the auto repair shop arrived in battle formations of battery and all vehicles were restored during 3 days under enemy fire. For the courage and gallantry shown during the battles with the Nazi invaders when crossing the Oder River and conquering the bridgehead in its West Bank, and the clear organization of vehicle repairs in difficult combat situations, Comrade Kaplan deserves a government award - Patriotic War Order 1st class. Commander of the 288th fighter anti-tank artillery regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Rakovich May 6th, 1945. 

Operation plan from April 21st, 1945.

Operation plan from April 24th, 1945.

Edited May 7, 2020 by SovPha