Description
Soviet Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 3rd class #2499
Awarded to Captain Boris Ivanovich Velichko (Борис Иванович Величко)
For gathering fully reliable intelligence during reconnaissance missions in which he was subject to heavy rifle, artillery, and mortar fire. By his efforts many enemy troops and material could be destroyed
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity rated an 8 out of 10
Made of solid silver. It measures 45.32 mm in height, 44.67 mm in width and weighs 31.5 gram without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position on the reverse. A stamped ‘8’ -often referred to as makers mark- is located next to the screwpost at a 2 o’clock position. This early variation is made out of two parts; the center piece, portraying Bogdan Khmelnitsky, and the base. It is a less seen than the later variation made out on one piece. The minimum know serial number is 35 and the maximum is 3223.
In an excellent, well above average condition with an appealing medium dark patina on both sides. The higher parts on the obverse show light to medium wear and most details are perfectly visible. The reverse shows several small scratches but nothing distracting from the overall appeal of the award. The order comes with its well fitted and time period silver screwplate and its screw has not been shortened.
A rare piece in great condition!
Brief, concrete description of his achievements:
“Comrade VELICHKO has been on the active front line duty since July 1942 and proved himself as a brave and courageous officer.
Comrade VELICHKO efficiently organised the artillery reconnaissance service during the preparation for the operation for enemy strong fortification line breakthrough in the sector Andrzejów – Kijanka – Szlachecki Las (Radom region). The enemy firing positions and the system of defence was reconnoitered. As the result of efficient work of the regiment reconnaissance personnel during 01-14 January 1945, there was gathered fully reliable intelligence information on 16 artillery batteries, 4 mortar batteries, 18 machine-gun positions, 6 pill boxes, 4 observation posts, 10 dugouts, a panzerwerfer, a nebelwerfer, and a catapult.
During 14.01.1945, comrade VELICHKO conducted continuous artillery reconnaissance of the enemy force concentrations and the firing positions, which were promptly hit and suppressed. Following the advance of our infantry among the forward fighting formation, comrade VELICHKO provided and corrected the targeting data, while being subjected to the enemy rifle, artillery, and mortar fire. This effort enabled successful advance of our infantry. As the result of efficient work of the regiment reconnaissance service, there were destroyed 5 enemy artillery batteries and 1 mortar battery, 9 artillery batteries and 7 sectors were suppressed, up to a regiment of names troops was scattered or killed.”
The full translation of the research can be found below:
More information on Captain. Velichko can be read here
Also included in the picture gallery are two pictures of Velichko one of which he is wearing his Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky, a combat diary of the 24th Artillery Brigade, a map of Kijanka, blind sectors plot by Velichko in 1945 and a rolling barrage chart for the 383rd Rifle Division on 14 January 1945
Please contact us with questions
