Description
Complete Documented Group of Soviet awards
Awarded to Sergeant Major Ivan Timofeevich Vitchenko (Иван Тимофеевич Витченко)
For effective mortar command in combat, destroying multiple enemy firing points, bunkers, and up to 80 enemy soldiers, repelling repeated enemy attacks, and eliminating enemy machine guns and a mortar battery during offensive operations. He also showed exceptional courage by extinguishing burning ammunition under fire, saving vital supplies, despite being wounded twice
This group consists of the following items:
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #274891
Made of silver, gold and enamels. Measures 47.7 mm in height, 46.0 mm in width and weighs 27.3 grams without its screwplate.
This order is in excellent condition. The beautiful red and white enamels are problem free without repairs or chipping and show some dings only. The silver base has few dings or scratches on either side and has gathered an appealing patina. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its original, well fitting screwplate.
Order of the Red Star #674653
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 49.2 mm in width, 47.2 in height and weighs 28.9 grams without its screwplate.
In nice condition with most details visible and light to medium wear to the soldier. The enamels are well preserved without repairs but show some dings and scratches. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period silver screwplate.
Medal for Bravery #305394
Made of solid silver and red lacquer. Measures 37.2 mm in diameter and 2.4 mm in thickness. The height of the medal measures 42.7 mm (including its eyelet) and it weighs 26.0 grams without its suspension. The suspension measures 25.2 mm in width at its narrowest part and 31.3 at its widest point.
In about average condition considering it is an early wartime medal. Its details are mostly visible although the raised areas show some wear. A small amount of the original red lacquer filling the letters is still present although most is worn off. Its suspension is original as is the brass screw, the nut, the plate holding the red ribbon and the screw plate tightening it all up. Its connection ring has not been cut.
Medal for Bravery #511611
Made of solid silver and red lacquer. Measures 37.1 mm in diameter, 42.1 mm in height (including its eyelet) and it weighs 26.9 grams without its suspension.
In similar condition as the previous Medal for Bravery with traces of wear and most of the red lacquer worn off. Its connection ring has not been cut and the medal comes with a single layer brass suspension.
Medal for Bravery #969251
Made of solid silver and red lacquer. Measures 37.0 mm in diameter, 42.4 mm in height (including its eyelet) and it weighs 26.9 grams without its suspension.
In slightly better condition than the previous medals with much of the original red lacquer still present although covered with a layer of dirt. It too comes with a single layer brass suspension and uncut connection ring.
Order Booklet
In excellent condition with all pages firmly attached to its cover. It mentions the five awards in this lot.
Research to the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class:
During the breakthrough of the enemy’s defenses on October 17, 1944, he destroyed 1 heavy machine gun and 1 ammunition cart with his mortar. In the battle for the town of Schittkehmen [now Żytkiejmy], he destroyed 1 heavy machine gun and repelled 3 enemy attacks; during this, he destroyed a battery of 81mm mortars and up to 30 enemy soldiers and officers. Comrade Vitchenko is worthy of the state award: the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class.
Research to the Order of the Red Star:
In battles since June 23, 1944, he proved himself to be a disciplined, steadfast, and courageous commander. With his mortar fire, he destroyed 2 firing points, demolished 3 bunkers/covers, and destroyed up to 50 German soldiers. An enemy shell hit the ammunition boxes, which caught fire; despite the danger to himself, Comrade Vitchenko rushed to extinguish the fire, resulting in the rescue of 20 boxes of mortar shells.
Research to the Medal for Bravery #305394:
4. To the Starshina [Sergeant Major] of the mortar company of the 2nd Rifle Battalion, Vitchenko, Ivan Timofeevich for the fact that during offensive battles from March 2 to March 26, 1943, he regularly and uninterruptedly provided his unit with food supplies and ammunition.
Research to the Medal for Bravery #511611:
32. To the Starshina [Sergeant Major] of the 2nd mortar company, 2nd Rifle Battalion, Starshina Vitchenko, Ivan Timofeevich. For being a participant in the Patriotic War since June 1941, and for having [sustained] two combat wounds.
More information on Sgt. Vitchenko can be found here
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