Description
Soviet Order of the Red Star #183003
Awarded to Military Engineer III rank Sergey Mikhailovich Klimenko (Сергей Михайлович Клименко)
For participating in the defense of Odessa and Sevastopol where provided timely repairs of front line supply vehicles under difficult conditions
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 48.75 mm in width, 46.08 mm in height and weighs 30.2 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.
In a nice, above average condition with medium overall wear with most details still visible. Its obverse shows several scratches on both the silver as the enamels but nothing too disturbing from the overall appeal of the award. The enamels are without repairs and chipping and are fully present. The reverse is in great condition with relatively and an attractive even brown patina. Its screwpost is full length and the order comes with a wartime screwplate which fits well but is not native to the award.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“KLIMENKO has been working as a repair engineer for Auto-Tractor Section of Black Sea Fleet (A.T.O-ChF.) since March 1941. Very experienced in repair and maintenance of automobile transport, which he uses fullest. Restored normal proper operations at the Sevastopol A.R.M (Motor Repair Workshop). During the defence of Sevastopol he provided for timely repair of front line supply vehicles. In difficult conditions of the siege he rolled out spare parts restoration program. Organised automobile repair workshop in Gagra (remote workshop of the NovijAphon workshop), personally lead works for installation of the machinery.
Found and mobilised for military use the necessary machinery from the civil sector. Advocates and ensures mass re-use and restoration of the spare parts, which provides supplies to the Navy bases.
His innovations gave large economy in non-ferrous metals. Participant of the defence of Odessa, served in Separate Coastal Army. Contributed to rollout of labor competition at A.T.O-ChF.”
The full translation of the citation can be read here
More information on Klimenko can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is a scan of a picture of Klimenko wearing his Red Star
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