Documents

Original WWII Soviet award booklet for the Medal “For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945”, awarded to Guards Private Nikolai Ivanovich Germatenko (Герматенко Николай Иванович), accompanied by digital archival research detailing his wartime combat service.

This grouping becomes especially interesting due to the included research, which reveals Germatenko was far more than an ordinary recipient of a standard campaign medal.

Germatenko served as a Guards Private in the 8th Separate Guards Motorcycle Battalion, where he worked as an armored personnel carrier machine gunner. He entered Red Army service in August 1941, drafted through Ordzhonikidze RVC, Rostov-on-Don.

Archival award records show Germatenko was recommended for the Medal for Bravery (За Отвагу) for distinguished combat actions during offensive operations under the 1st Ukrainian Front, in the Ternopil–Stanislav sector, between 21 March and 10 May 1944.

According to the citation, Germatenko repeatedly carried out dangerous reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines, gathering valuable intelligence on enemy troop movements and positions. His citation describes him as acting boldly and skillfully, often penetrating far into enemy-controlled territory, causing confusion and panic among enemy forces.

Most notably, the citation states that Germatenko:

• Conducted multiple deep reconnaissance missions
• Returned with valuable intelligence and prisoners
• Personally eliminated up to 20 enemy soldiers and officers

This transforms the group from a standard Soviet campaign medal document into a researched combat-related item tied to a frontline reconnaissance soldier with a remarkable wartime record.

The included award booklet documents the awarding of the Victory over Germany medal, officially instituted on 9 May 1945, and awarded to Germatenko on 2 January 1946.

The booklet remains in honest used condition with clear signs of age and handling, including heavy creasing, rounded edges, staining, and storage wear, but remains complete and fully readable.

Included:

• Original Soviet Victory over Germany award booklet
• Named to Guards Private Nikolai Ivanovich Germatenko
• Awarded 2 January 1946
• Booklet serial number: A No. 0140019
• Digital archival research / award citation copies

A highly interesting researched Soviet WWII grouping to a Guards reconnaissance soldier, with documented frontline service, reconnaissance actions, and a strong Medal for Bravery citation. A desirable piece for collectors of Soviet combat awards and researched Red Army groups.

Original WWII Soviet award booklet for the Medal “For Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945” (За Победу над Германией), named to Aleksandr Andreevich Butusov (Александр Андреевич Бутусов).

This medal was awarded to Soviet military personnel and supporting wartime staff who contributed to the defeat of Nazi Germany during the Great Patriotic War. It remains one of the most iconic and widely collected Soviet WWII campaign awards.

This example is named and officially dated 1945, making it an attractive early-issued wartime/postwar document. The booklet retains its original handwritten entries, official stamp, and signatures.

Details:

• Named to Aleksandr Andreevich Butusov
• Award: Medal for Victory over Germany
• Official decree dated: 9 May 1945
• Booklet serial: Н No. 107468
• Issued in 1945
• Official Soviet stamp and signatures present

Condition is very good overall with expected age-related wear, minor staining, and light handling marks. The booklet remains complete and fully intact, with clear writing and a strong stamp impression.

A desirable original Soviet WWII award document connected to the Allied victory in Europe. An excellent piece for collectors of Soviet militaria, WWII award groups, and Eastern Front historical material.