Soviet Officer Portrait – Major Vasily I. Naumenko – Red Star Recipient – 522nd Small-Caliber Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment – Battle for Narwa

Original Soviet officer portrait photograph depicting Vasily Ivanovich Naumenko (1920–?), a decorated Soviet anti-aircraft artillery officer and veteran of the Great Patriotic War.

The reverse identifies him as Major Vasily Ivanovich Naumenko, with the portrait dated May 1959, making this a fully named and documented photograph.

Digital archival research links this portrait to Naumenko, who served during the Second World War as a platoon commander within the 522nd Small-Caliber Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment.

Naumenko, of Belorussian nationality, entered the Red Army in 1939 and participated in combat operations from 1941 onward. He was a Communist Party member from 1942 and served throughout the war without recorded wounds.

Archival records confirm he was awarded the Medal “For Battle Merit” and later the Order of the Red Star (Орден Красной Звезды) for distinguished service and exemplary leadership.

The award citations describe Naumenko as one of the regiment’s most capable officers, praised for discipline, leadership, and exceptional skill in training personnel. During combat operations around the Narva River, he distinguished himself through initiative, strong command ability, and successful execution of important combat tasks.

The portrait shows Naumenko later in service as a Major, wearing his wartime decorations, including the clearly visible Order of the Red Star, alongside several Soviet campaign and long-service medals.

A highly attractive researched Soviet officer portrait with strong wartime provenance, named identification, and documented frontline service. A desirable piece for collectors of Soviet militaria, anti-aircraft units, and researched Eastern Front material.

Included:

• Original portrait photograph
• Digital archival research scans