ORB 1, 2, & 3 awarded to Li-2 Bomber Commander Ermakov

**PapaStalin1943** · 12-02-2021, 08:18 AM

Hello everyone,

I am proud to present to you all the partially complete grouping of Guards Sr. Lieutenant (later promoted to Guards Lieutenant Colonel) Boris Ermakov: Cavalier of the Order of the Red Banner. Ermakov was born Jan. 30th, 1923 and served in the Red Army since December 6th, 1940. He served as the commander of an LI-2 bomber plane in the 54th Long-Range Aviation Division, participating in bombing missions over Helsinki and Narva, as well as contributing to the Defense of Leningrad and Stalingrad. This impressive career of his is shown through his award list, as His award list shows he was awarded the Order of the Great Patriotic War I and II Class, 2 Order of the Red Stars, medals for Defense of Leningrad and Stalingrad, Victory over Germany medal, and of course the Red Banners 1, 2, and 3/the postwar “For Battle Merit” medal shown in this post. Please let me know what you think! Enjoy

ORB 1, 2, & 3 awarded to Li-2 Bomber Commander Ermakov

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 12-02-2021 08:18 AM

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**PapaStalin1943** · 12-02-2021, 08:22 AM

The citation (it’s quite long!) for his 1st Red Banner (#107766, pictured right) awarded in 1944 is as follows:
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“He had been flying as a commander of the LI-2 bomber. The other crew are: navigator Jr Lieutenant Odovnichenko, 2nd pilot Lieutenant Murzova, Technician Lt. Sotsenko, Gunner/radioman Sgt. Solomnikov, and gunner Sgt. Lisev. For his whole participation in the Great Patriotic War, he has flown 141 combat missions- on the planes TB-3 LI-2- including 16 day missions, and 125 night missions. After being awarded the Order of the Great Patriotic War I class, he performed 76 combat missions on an LI-2 bomber, out of which he had 8 successful bombing missions on Finland, and out of the 8 missions, 7 were on the city of Helsinki.

Often times, he had 2-3 flight missions in one night. In the night of Feb 25, he performed 4 combat flights to destroy the enemy forces around Narva. All 4 flights resulted in destruction of foreign troops. During the night of Feb 26, he completed 3 flight missions to destroy military industrial facilities in Helsinki. He exemplified courage and willingness to fight, despite heavy anti aircraft coverage. As a result of his precise bombardment, there were substantial ground fire and 2 huge explosions. He had completed 28 combat flights to destroy the enemies equipment and personnel at Narva.

While fighting the enemy, Lieutenant Ermakov does not know fear and he shows the example of courage and valor. He goes to fight without any hesitation. He loves his specialty and knows it to the highest master level. He flies in the difficult weather conditions during the day and night. His piloting technique is exemplary. During the fighting missions, he knows how to control the plane masterfully. He passes on his knowledge and experience to the junior officers. His combat experience is well respected by all the fellow crews. With his military achievements, he had proven his commitment to the cause of the Stalin-Leninist party and Socialist homeland.”