Description
Complete documented group of Soviet Awards
Awarded to Captain Ivan Leontievich Handozhko (Иван Леонтьевич Хандожко)
For distinguishing himself by leading a daring advance into enemy rear positions, gathering critical intelligence. In one engagement, his company executed a swift flanking maneuver, encircled retreating German forces, and eliminated over 50 enemy soldiers without suffering losses. In another, under intense pressure, he successfully repelled multiple tank assaults while holding a key defensive position, capturing prisoners and enemy weapons
A very complete grouping with interesting research. Scarce as such
This group of Soviet awards consists of the following items:
Order of the Red Banner #551825 with issuing box
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 44.86 mm in height, 36.23 mm in width and it weighs 25.0 grams without its suspension. The mint mark Monetni Dvor and the serial number are located at the bottom of its reverse.
This order is in superb condition with crisp details and full gold plating. Both sides show few contact marks to the silver and an appealing dark patina. The beautiful enamels are extremely well preserved without chipping or repairs. The double layer suspension is time period to the order and its connection ring has not been cut.
The order comes with its issuing box with matching serial number.
Note: This Red Banner was awarded in 1945 but issued decades later (judging by the serial number). This was most likely the result of some administrative error.
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #78911
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 45.44 mm in height, 43.52 mm in width and it weighs 28.9 grams without its screwplate. The mint mark Monetni Dvor is located on top and serial number at the bottom of its reverse.
This order is in excellent condition with crisp details and a beautiful oil-like patina to the gold. The enamels show several dings and scratches but are without repairs or chipping. The order comes with its correct solid silver screwplate and its screw has not been shortened.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #141105
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. Measures 47.32 mm in height, 44.62 mm in width and it weighs 26.0 grams without its screwplate. The mint mark Monetni Dvor and the serial number are located at the bottom of its reverse.
This order is in great condition with crisp details and an appealing dark patina to the silver. The red and white enamels very well preserved and free from repairs or chipping with some miniscule contact marks only. The order comes with its correct solid silver screwplate and its screw has not been shortened.
Order of the Red Star #63667
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 46.88 mm in height, 48.73 mm in width and it weighs 31.3 grams 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 worn but decent condition, showing light to moderate wear on the raised areas on the central medallion, with most details remaining visible. The red enamel has been professionally repaired on three rays (at 5, 7, and 9 o’clock), with the restoration done so well it’s barely noticeable to the untrained eye. The enamel on the 12 and 3 o’clock rays is intact, with no chips or scratches. The reverse is free of issues or repairs and the order retains a full-length screwpost. Comes with a well-fitting, period-correct silver screwplate.
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #996236 (1985 jubilee edition) with document and issuing box
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 46.22 mm in height, 43.51 mm in width and it weighs 27.0 gram without its screwplate. The raised mint mark Monetni Dvor in two lines is located at the top of its reverse and the serial number at the bottom.
In excellent condition with problem free enamels. The gold plating is fully present and its screw has not been shortened. Its comes with its document and issuing box with matching serial number.
Medal for the Defense of the Polar Region with document
Made of brass. Measures 37.48 mm in height including its eyelet, 32.29 mm in width and it weighs 17.6 grams without its suspension.
In excellent condition, with crisp details and much of the original gold-like luster remaining. The medal comes with its original double-layer suspension and old ribbon. The accompanying document is in used condition, but both pages remain attached.
Medal for the Victory over Germany document
Made of brass. Measures 37.13 mm in height including its eyelet, 32.24 mm in width and it weighs 17.4 grams without its suspension.
In great condition, with crisp details and much of the original gold-like luster present . The medal comes with its brass suspension and old ribbon. The accompanying document is in problem free condition.
Badge to a Veteran of Karelian Front
In great condition with few traces of wear. it comes with its document.
Order Booklet
In great condition with all pages present and firmly attached to their cover. It mentions all numbered orders above and an original picture of Captain Handozhko.
Several documents to jubilee medals and a Soviet one-time travel ticket booklet
All in problem free condition. Although these documents are present in this group, the matching jubilee medals are missing. On request we can put in replacements for them at a reduced price.
Translation of the citation for the Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class #78911:
In combat on September 15, 1942, near elevation 334, he was awarded the Order of the Red Star for skillful leadership in battle.
In combat on April 28, 1943, near elevation 337, he was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class, for capturing enemy soldiers.
During a march into the enemy rear, Handozhko’s company skillfully reconnoitered a crossing over the Petsamo River. Due to his excellent knowledge of the terrain, he successfully led the group behind enemy lines to the crossroads between Persamo and Luostari and toward the settlement of Nikel.
The reconnaissance group participated in all brigade operations, continuously gathering vital intelligence, ensuring brigade command had complete information about the enemy.
For his effective leadership of the reconnaissance unit, he deserves the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class.
Translation of the citation for the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class #141105 :
In battles against the German invaders in September 1942, for skillful leadership of his company and the results achieved, Handozhko was awarded the Order of the Red Star.
In combat on April 27, 1944, Handozhko demonstrated courage, bravery, and the ability to organize an effective battle while commanding his company. The enemy was defeated at elevation 337.6 and began retreating north. The company was ordered to cut off their retreat.
They moved into the enemy’s rear and blocked the escape route. The retreating Germans discovered them, set up a defense, and opened heavy fire. A battle ensued. Handozhko’s company counterattacked. Unable to withstand the pressure and surrounded from three sides under machine-gun fire, the Germans tried to retreat but were trapped. As a result of a swift and well-executed flanking maneuver, the company, without suffering losses, killed over 50 German soldiers, captured 5, and seized enemy trophies.
For excellent combat organization and effective command, Handozhko deserves the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class.
Translation of the citation for the Order of the Red Banner #551825:
Handozhko Ivan Leontievich – Captain, commander of the foot reconnaissance company of the 31st Separate Mountain Rifle Red Banner Brigade.
In combat on April 9, 1945, near the village of Buków, Captain Handozhko was assigned to hold the line and defend the brigade headquarters. Despite a large German force of tanks and infantry attacking, his company repelled four tank assaults during the night. Despite heavy losses, Handozhko and his remaining men held their position. In this battle, the company captured numerous enemy weapons and took 23 prisoners. Over 100 German soldiers were left dead on the field.
On April 30, 1945, near the town of Moravská Ostrava, Handozhko also captured an industrial plant, a heavily fortified German stronghold on the town’s outskirts. Through skillful leadership, all combat objectives assigned by the brigade commander were achieved.
Between March 24 and April 9, 1945, Handozhko’s company captured 50 enemy soldiers and gathered valuable intelligence for command.
He deserves the government award – the Order of the Red Banner.
The full translation of the research can be read here
More information on Captain Handozhko can be found here
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