Astapov Ivan Sergeevich,T-34 tank driver, winter1945

**Bagration** · 01-08-2017, 08:07 PM

Hello everyone,

Just a little display that I wanted to do since I received not so long time ago, a nice group of documents who belonged to a t-34 driver who fought during the winter 1945 at Budapest.
Belonged to the sergeant Astapov Ivan Sergeevich, driver/Mechanic of 3rd class, born in 1915 and drafted the February 1943 on the city of Chelyabinsk.

He served into the 78 separate motorcycle batallion of the 18th corps tank of the 5 Tank army guard.
This unit become famous druring the battle of Kursk and Budapest for they excelent result in battle, The battalion will received the red star order because of their high contribution during the battle of Budapest.
The glorious 29th separate, Order of the Red Star reconnaissance battalion celebrates its 67th anniversary - Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

He survived to the war, wouned one time the 1st August 1943, he received the bravery medal the 10 Jully for an action battle made in January 1945 (also the red star order the 17 Jully 1945).

Astapov Ivan Sergeevich,T-34 tank driver, winter1945

Summary of combat heroism or merit:
Comrade Astapov, acting battalion in the battle for Budapest and Vienna, He proved to be a courageous and resolute defender of the homeland.
28.01.1945 he participated in the attack Doroch city, where his crew knocked out two armored personnel carriers and a tank of the enemy.
When his tank caught fire (it was set on fire by shells of the enemy), comrade Astapov jumped out of the tank, and continued to fight with a gun in his hand.

He is worthy of government award - "Za otvagu" medal.

Commander 78 separate motorcycle batallion
Mayor of Guard - Gusev
10.07.1945

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Picture of his documents, we can find his ID military book, driver licence for T-34/76-85, gratitude books for the taken of Budapest with a nice T-34 on cover, the red book award for the bravery medal N° "2 615 388".

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Here is how he could look like during the battle of Budapest ... or maybe more when he take a little rest after the attack of the 3e Panzerdivision SS Totenkopf during the konrad operation.

The "gymnastiorka" 43 pocketless is worn below the Telogreika, the M32 belt leather were can see the mapcase with the winter gloves lend-lease (English), the protective 4 face glasses are attached to the blet and at the left we can see the universal holster for TT-33, Nagant 1895 or even the P38 or Luger.
Helmet is a classic one, with blue cover inside.

At the back side we can see the gas mask bag, like often during the late war period, the gas mask was removed for keeping all personnal stuff like, letter, documents, cigarette case, war trophy ... the green mug is attached to the bag as usual.