Description
Soviet documented group of two Orders of the Red Star and a Medal for Bravery
Awarded to Guards private Nikolaj Maksimovich Salenko (Николай Максимович Саленко)
For courage and bravery in repelling the enemy counterattacks with ‘Katysha’ rocket launchers
Note the almost consecutive numbers of the red stars!
Comes with extra research material such as maps and a combat diary
Order of the Red Star #2548075
Made of silver and enamels. It measures 47.96 mm in width; 45.98 mm in height and weighs 29.6 gram. In excellent condition with most details present. The enamel shows several small contact marks and dings but is free from flaking and repairs. Its well fitted screwplate is time period to the order and its screw has not been shortened.
Order of the Red Star #2548077
Made of silver and enamels. It measures 48.19 mm in width; 45.92 mm in height and weighs 30.1 gram. In excellent condition with most details present. The enamel shows few minor contact marks and is free from flaking and repairs. Its well fitted screwplate is time period to the order and its screw has not been shortened.
Medal for Bravery #3592859
Made of silver and lacquer. The medal itself measures 37.21 mm in diameter, 42.56 mm in height (including its eyelet) and weighs 27.6 gram. In excellent condition with crisp details and most lacquer still present. The medal comes with its time period double layer suspension and its connection ring has not been cut.
Documents
The group comes with its order booklet mentioning all three awards, a travel pass and a pensioners booklet.
Great set with interesting research. Hard to find!
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits
“Comrade SALENKO has been a part of the squadron since June 1943. He exhibited examples of courage, bravery, personal initiative and resolve in the battles against the Germano-Fascist invaders. In any circumstances of enemy artillery and mortar fire and aerial strikes, he remains calm and focused, radiating fearlessness and inspiring the other crew members to combat feats.
On 22.04.1945 in the engagements for holding and enlarging the bridgehead near the settlement Mescherin on the western bank of West Oder river, comrade SALENKO was on the firing position 400m west of Mescherin. The area was subject to vicious enemy barrage. On his own initiative, SALENKO replaced sick launcher layer. Being brave and decisive, he was quick and efficient in aiming his weapon at the enemy counterattacking in the area of the crossroad, which is 1,5km NW of Geesow. Comrade SALENKO’s brave and decisive action resulted in well placed salvoes. The enemy attack war stopped and up to 20 enemy troops were left KIA on the battlefield.
On 24.04.1945 during repelling an enemy attack near the settement Rosow the enemy employed brisant shells against our firing position, which was located near the shed 2km west of Staffelde. The aiming optic was damaged by a shell fragment. Comrade SALENKO acted bravely and resourcefully. Under enemy fire, he quickly aimed the launcher with the use of a gunners quadrant and thus ensured the fire was opened in time at the counterattacking enemy. The salvoes resulted in failed enemy counterattack and our infantry taking the vilalge Rosow. The enemy left up to 15 troops KIA on the battlefield.
For exhibited courage and bravery in repelling the enemy counterattacks, comrade SALENKO is worthy of a state award order “Red Star”.
Commander of 62 Guards mortar “Zaporozhye” Red Banner Aleksander Nevsky order regiment”
The full transaltion of Salenko’s citation can be found below:
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