An order of Kutuzov, third class


underside stamped in Russian "Monetnyi Dvor', with scratched award number '6665' shaped as ten-point star and centred with a profile portrait of Field-Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, origin silver nut; in a fitted box, with original award book (2) diameter: 4.5cm (1 3/4in).
|ProvenanceAwarded to Colonel Samuel M. Thomas, April 1944, award certificate 6665 Thence by descentColonel and later Brig. General S.M.Thomas of Arkansas was awarded the Soviet order of Kutuzov, Third class for his aid in establishing supply line which has forwarded more than 3 mln tons of war equipment and supplies to the USSR during the Second World War. As a member of the Persian Gulf Command, he assisted in 'the movement of arts, equipment and food supplies for the Soviet Union thus affording great assistance to the Red Army in its struggle with the Nazi Germany' (as described in period newspapers). Apparently there were only 29 officers and four enlisted men of the USA who were awarded decorations by the Soviet Union.