Description
Soviet Order of the Red Star #144153
Awarded to NKVD Border Sgt. Alexander Trofimovich Kravchenko (Александр Трофимович Кравченко)
For inspiring his men to heroic deeds by personal example and killing 41 Germans
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 47.66 mm in width, 45.70 mm in height and weighs 27.9 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 worn condition. The center medallion shows strong wear but a fair amount of details are still visible. All of the enamels have been replaced professionally with hot enamel and is only noticeable on close inspection. The reverse is in better condition with light wear only and the deatils on the mint mark and serial number perfectly visible. The screwpost is full length and the order comes with a later type (but wartime) screwplate.
Not in great condition but with interesting research
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“Sergeant Comrade KRAVCHENKO is devoted to the Motherland and the cause of the Lenin-Stalin party. During the period of battles against the German invaders, he showed himself to be proactive, decisive, courageous. He mastered the tactics of defensive combat well.
By his personal example, he inspired the fighters to heroic deeds. 9.9.42 gathered a group of fighters, got close to the German dugouts (blindage) and threw grenades at them. After this event, Germans noticed a group of brave soldiers and opened mortar fire.
Comrade Kravchenko led the group to cover without any loss. He has in his account 41 fascists; they were destroyed in 15 days of combat. The platoon, which is led by Kravchenko, destroyed 605 German soldiers and officers during the same period.”
More information on Sgt. Kravchenko can be found here
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