Order of Suvorov III Class: Col John H. Cochran

[Bill D.]

Way to go, Eric!

Luft: Any of the researchers who do medals and orders research in the Russian archives can check out the Suvorov for you. You only need to supply them with the order number, which in this case appears to be "9341" and the name would be helpful as well.

I suspect that it is probably a generic citation ( "for material contributions to the allied victory", or something like that) but it would still be nice to have, I think. The research would probably run you less than $100.

[Luftm40]

Thanks Bill...before I invest in further research...I have to ask the "V" word. Mainly because I have no clue about the Soviet awards market. I wouldn't want to spend $100 researching a $50 document.

What is something like this worth?

I have posted only a small fraction of this group. The US documents above are also quite scarce, and there are a number of fitness reports and recommendations hand signed by Cochran's very famous commander "Terrible" Terry Allen...also quite scarce. Also the actual General orders for all of his awards. In WWII, the US Army didn't issue individual award citations. The awards were listed en masse in Divisional General orders. Some decorative, individual citations were made at the Division level like these for the 104th, but they are few and far between, especially for the Silver Star.

I have a feel for the value of the US stuff, but really have no idea what the Soviet document does to the group. I would imagine that something like this would have a cross over appeal to both US and Soviet WWII collectors? As near as I can tell, General Allen received the II Class order, and his Regimental Commanders received the III Class, presumably for placing intense pressure on the Western side of Konev's front. The 104th was one of the finest, most aggressive divisions to serve in the ETO.

Here is a photo of a young Cochran, taken in 1923

[Bill D.]

Value?
Good question, Andy.
I wish that I had a good answer for you.

As noted by others, Soviet award documents to Americans are extremely scarce. You are correct in that such an item would undoubtedly appeal to collectors of both American and Soviet militaria.

Aside from the rarity of a Soviet award document to an American, this one is for a Suvorov order, not at all a common award. A well-known dealer in Soviet Orders is currently offering a Suvorov, third class (interestingly, also in the 9,000 number range) for over $9,000. Then there is the fact that the document is personally signed by Marshal Ivan Konev, one of the most renowned of the Marshals of the Soviet Union. He was twice a Hero of the Soviet Union, made a member of the Order of the Bath by Great Britain, and was one of a handful or recipients of the Soviet Order of Victory.

So, the best I myself could say is "It's valuable."

[Luftm40]

Value?
Good question, Andy.
I wish that I had a good answer for you.

As noted by others, Soviet award documents to Americans are extremely scarce. You are correct in that such an item would undoubtedly appeal to collectors of both American and Soviet militaria.

Aside from the rarity of a Soviet award document to an American, this one is for a Suvorov order, not at all a common award. A well-known dealer in Soviet Orders is currently offering a Suvorov, third class (interestingly, also in the 9,000 number range) for over $9,000. Then there is the fact that the document is personally signed by Marshal Ivan Konev, one of the most renowned of the Marshals of the Soviet Union. He was twice a Hero of the Soviet Union, made a member of the Order of the Bath by Great Britain, and was one of a handful or recipients of the Soviet Order of Victory.

So, the best I myself could say is "It's valuable."

Bill...yes, I saw that $9500 award and almost dropped my mouse. I bought this group almost sight unseen w/ the thought that it might be interesting to research. I had no idea the Soviet document was in the group, nor did the original owner. It is rather un assuming compared to the US documents.

Anybody else have a ballpark?

[Lapa]

Luftm40,

Your document is the temporary award certificate. Cochrane would have received at some point a standard issue award booklet (the one with the dark-red cover known as Odrenskaya Knizhka).

That being said, no need to spend hundred of dollars on research, because here it is for free*. This is the Award Order No 60 dated May 13, 1945:

"On behalf of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, award American Army officers, NCOs and privates for successful actions against the common ennemy - German invaders, and for commemorating the joining of American forces with those of the Red Army on the river Elbe:
Order of Suvorov 2nd Class
1. Colonel Peter S Hans
Order of Suvorov 3rd Class
1. Colonel Charles M Adams Jr
2. Colonel John H Cochrane, Commander of the 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th American Infantry Division. Military ID O-8265.
3. Colonel Gerald S Kellegher
4. Colonel William M Sammers
Order of Kutuzov 3rd Class
1. Major Victor J Conley"



*So, I lied about the price above You owe me a beer

[Luftm40]

Thanks very much! Where does that picture come from? Do you have the original document?

[Bill D.]

There is much material available on line from the Russian Archives.
That may be where Lapa found it.
I didn't even think of that.

Lapa, VERY well done !!!

[Lapa]

Indeed, it comes from the Russian Archives.