Order of Kutuzov 2nd Class

Awarded to Guards Colonel Stepan Nikitovich Chirva (Степан Никитович Чирва)

For personally flying 94 combat sorties, participating in 10 air battles, and shooting down 2 enemy aircraft. Under his leadership, the division played a key role in operations, conducting 1,392 sorties during the summer offensive of 1944. Chirva is recognized as a disciplined, tactically skilled, and demanding commander who significantly improved the combat effectiveness of the fighter aviation division he commanded

Chirva was highly decorated with 2 Orders of Suvorov 2nd class, 4 Orders of the Red Banner and an Order of Lenin next to this Order of Kutuzov 2nd class

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Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 47.70 mm in width, 49.12 in height and weighs 37.8 grams without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint Monetni Dvor are located on its reverse. The minimum known serial number for this 5-riveted variation is 429 and the maximum 1994. Only a few in this range have their serial number placed at a 6 o'clock position.

In excellent condition with light overall wear. There are relatively few small contact marks to the silver base and the raised parts like Kutuzov's cheek and hair show their details well. The enamels are fully present and extremely well preserved without repairs, scratches or chipping. Both sides show an attractive medium patina to the silver and the order comes with its time period an well fitted silver screwplate. The order shows no repairs and its screw has not been shortened.


Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits

He has commanded the fighter aviation division since December 1943. In a short time, thanks to his demanding nature and ability to lead combat operations, he significantly improved the combat effectiveness of the division’s units.

Comrade CHIRVA, during his participation in the Patriotic War, personally conducted 94 combat sorties, engaged in 10 air battles, and shot down 2 enemy aircrafts. He skilfully manages both combat operations and party-political work. A tactically competent and demanding commander. For exemplary combat performance during the capture of the cities of Mozyr and Kalinkovichi by our forces, the division was awarded order “Red Banner”. During the summer offensive in the Zhlobin, Bobruisk, Slutsk, and Baranovichi directions, the division’s units carried out 1392 combat sorties in support of ground-attack aircraft and free hunting missions to intercept enemy aircrafts.

He is disciplined and effectively instills military discipline among the division’s personnel. He fully meets the requirements of a divisional commander.

For the skilful organisation and leadership of the division’s combat operations, and for his contribution to the successful breakthrough of German defences and the liberation of the cities of Zhlobin, Bobruisk, Baranovichi, and others by our troops, he deserves state award order “KUTUZOV II CLASS”.