Red Star to mortar loader: 1758399

[Auke]

This Red Star was awarded on June 8, 1945 to Private Pyotr Vasilyevich Moroz, a 31- or 32-year-old mortar loader, for actions in Berlin.

Moroz attended elementary school, got married and joined the army in October 1943. He served in the 6th battery of the 416th Mortar Regiment, 46th Mortar Brigade, 29th Breakthrough Artillery Division of the Reserve of the High Command, 8th Guards Army, 1st Belorussian Front. He was seriously wounded only days after joining the army, and again in May and August 1944. I once read that the average life expectancy of a mortar crewman at the front was four months, so I guess this guy was 'lucky'.

He also received a Victory over Germany Medal, and it would make sense he was also awarded a Capture of Berlin Medal.

His citation:

During the fighting for Berlin, Loader Moroz showed himself a brave and courageous soldier. Under uninterrupted enemy machine gun and and artillery fire he uninterruptedly fired at enemy submachine gunners and firing positions.

As a result of this, the 2nd mortar crew suppressed the fire of three mounted machine guns, destroyed two light machine guns, and killed up to twenty German submachine gunners.

Loader Moroz deserves to be recommended for the Order of the Red Star.

[Auke]

His star:

[Auke]

And the booklet:

[Adrian Stevenson]

I just love the history behind these. Thanks for showing it

Cheers, Ade.

[ObKrieger]

Thanks for sharing this. I wish Iron Crosses were numbered like these.

[GIZMO8Z]

Thanks for sharing this. I wish Iron Crosses were numbered like these.

Me too! It would be great to know the story behind all of these amazing medals and badges I've seen on this forum!

[claretbaron]

nice medal. red star is my love. it is nice and cheap.