A small format, approx. 7" x 5" certificate features minimalistic design without the usual portrait of Stalin or any other artwork. There is just a simple border and a motto at the top "Death to German Invaders!" The document is headlined Spravka ("Note") rather than the usual Gramota ("Honorary Certificate" or "Thank You Note"). This implies that it was meant to be used as a certification that the owner indeed had taken part in the battle. The citation states that Stalin gave his thanks to all personnel "who took part in breaking through enemy defenses, and for battles for Zvenigorodo

A small format, approx. 7" x 5" certificate features minimalistic design without the usual portrait of Stalin or any other artwork. There is just a simple border and a motto at the top "Death to German Invaders!" The document is headlined Spravka ("Note") rather than the usual Gramota ("Honorary Certificate" or "Thank You Note"). This implies that it was meant to be used as a certification that the owner indeed had taken part in the battle. The citation states that Stalin gave his thanks to all personnel "who took part in breaking through enemy defenses, and for battles for Zvenigorodok, Shpola, Smela, Boguslav, and Kanev", the offensives at the early stages of the Battle of Korsun.

The document shows the stamp of the 10th Guards Airborne Artillery Regiment and is hand-signed by its commander, Guards Major Zhurba. The Vol. IV Red Guards of Charles Sharp's WW2 order of battle book series as well as various Internet sources show that this unit was a part of the 7th Guards Airborne Division which spent most of the war under the 20th Guards Rifle Corps. However, during the Battle of Korsun (also known as the Korsun-Shvechenkovskiy Operation or Battle of the Cherkassy Pocket), the division fought under the 73rd Rifle Corps, 52nd Army, 2nd Ukrainian Front. In late January 1944, it helped to trap a substantial German force near the town of Korsun-Shevchenkovskiy west of Cherkassy, central Ukraine. During the first half of February, it took part in wiping out the German pocket. Unlike a year earlier at Stalingrad, a part of the enemy troops at Korsun eventually escaped with their lives but the Germans suffered crushing losses in personnel and morale, and had to abandon all of their heavy equipment.

The document is in good condition. It has been folded as customary and developed minor separations along the vertical fold, but is overall very sound. The separation at the left side of the horizontal fold has been repaired and reinforced with library tape on the verso. There are also some creases and minor wear to the margins. The paper shows age toning and a couple of small spots but is free of significant staining or soiling.

Please note, pen in our photo is for size reference.
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