Description
Soviet Order of the Red Star #93718
Awarded to Lt. Colonel Grigory Samuilovich Radchenko (Подполковник Григорий Самуилович Радченко)
For organizing radio communications between army units under heavy enemy aerial bombardment and direct threat of the enemy armoured forces
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 48.62 mm in width, 46.44 mm in height and weighs 29.6 gram without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark on the 12 o’clock position of its reverse. This early variation has a round base ‘heel’ of the screw.
This original order of the Red Star is in an excellent, well above average condition. Most details are visible and the higher laying parts show light to medium wear only. The enamels are beautiful and without repairs with some minor contact marks only. The reverse is in excellent condition too and shows a medium patina. The screwpost is full length and the order comes with its time period silver screwplate.
An early award in excellent condition. Scarce as such!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“Lt. Colonel RADCHENKO, as the deputy commander of the army signalling troops responsible for radio communications, has managed to achieve good results in the short time available: find personnel, organise radio station crews, and send them out to deliver radio signalling between the army units.
During the combat period 28.06.1942 – 04.07.1942, his example of courageous and brave conduct helped to maintain calm working environment among his radio crews, mostly staffed by female personnel. The radio crews maintained focus on their combat mission: providing radio communication, which was the only remaining option in those days. All this was achieved under heavy enemy aerial bombardment and direct threat of the enemy armoured forces.
During the retreat of the army troops to the other side of Don river, despite intensified enemy air strikes under direct threat of the enemy armoured forces, comrade RADCHENKO managed to transport his troops across the river saving the equipment and the personnel. All this, thanks to the his analytical mindset, determination, and courage.
In his day to day work, he delivers scrupulous work for providing radio communication links to the army units and achieved good result in this matter.
He spent a lot of effort for establishing radio specialist training among the army personnel and procedures for their efficient use. The formed radio station crews are fully capable to maintain functionality of the radio equipment. He made a lot improvement proposals for increased efficiency of radio equipment applications among the active field forces. By applying these proposals in the field, he achieved good results in providing uninterrupted communication to the troops.
For personal bravery and determination, for impeccable service ethics, he deserves state award – order “RED STAR”.
Commander
Commissar
24 September 1942”
The full translation of the research can be found below:
More information on Lt. Col. Radchenko can be found here
Apart from the ‘regular’ research a picture of Radchenko and scans of radio codes of the HQ of the 40th army can be found in the picture gallery
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