Description
Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky #27536
Awarded to Guards Captain Ivan Kharitonovich Derevyanko (Иван Харитонович Деревянко)
For risking his life with a bald move rolling out his gun in the open at street fighting in Beelitz (10 miles south of Berlin). By doing so he eliminated hundreds of Germans and repelled 21 (counter) attacks. Even when sustained a contusion, he remained on the battlefield and continued commanding his troops
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 51.27 mm in height, 49.62 mm in width and weighs 42.0 grams without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position underneath the screwpost.
This original order of Alexander Nevsky is in superb condition with all details crisp. Even the higher laying parts on the obverse show light wear only. Almost all of the gold plating is present and the enamels are flawless with very few microscopic contact marks only. The screw has not been shortened there have been no repairs. It comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“In the battle for the town Calau on 20 April 1945, comrade DEREVYANKO commanded his artillery squadron. The enemy Faustpatrone armed troops and submachine-gunners were inhibiting advance of our infantry. Disregarding his safety under the enemy artillery-mortar barrage and machine-gun fire, he was among his field troops and took his guns to an open sights position, firing point blank at the enemies fortified in the buildings. In this combat engagement, his artillery destroyed 5 enemy machine-guns and up to 50 troops, which enabled our troops in capturing the northern side of the town.
During 26-27 April 1945, the battle for the town Beelitz was unfolding as an uneven street fight, in which the enemy counter-attacked 7 times. With a bold daring move, he rolled his guns into an open sigh position. Skilfully maneuvering the guns and risking greatly his life with his troops on the battlefield, Guards Cpt. DEREVYANKO fired point blank and eliminated the pressing enemy infantry. His guns eliminated up to 120 enemy troops and frustrated the enemy attack.
In the battle for the town Beelitz on 01 May 1945, he was with his troops on an open sights positions and 14 times courageously repelled enemy attacks firing point blank at the enemy, eliminating up to 300 enemy troops. Having sustained a contusion, he remained on the battlefield and continued commanding his troops. In the difficult heated combat situations when the squadron was in danger, Guards Cpt. DEREVYANKO was always present on the forward line where his brave and decisive conduct inspired his men during uneven fights and secured the victory.
I recommend him to be bestowed with order “ALEKSANDER NEVSKY”.”
The full translation of the research can be read below:
More info on Guards Captain Derevyanko can be found here
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