Description
Group of Soviet awards: Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class, Red Star and Early Bravery Medal
Awarded to Guards Captain Ivan Dmitrievich Shirokov (Иван Дмитриевич Широков)
For displaying exceptional bravery and leadership during critical battles in Stalingrad under heavy enemy fire and during the liberation of Manchuria, where he successfully led operations clearing Japanese forces and maintaining order without losses
This group consists of the following items:
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #346894
Made of gold, silver and enamels. Measures 47.95 mm in height, 46.14 mm in width and weighs 25.3 grams.
This order is in pristine condition. The silver shows few dings or scratches on either side and the beautiful red and white enamels are problem free without repairs or chipping. The screw of the order has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period screwplate.
Order of the Red Star #1660623
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 47.37 mm in width, 45.54 in height and weighs 26.7 grams.
In excellent condition with most details visible and light wear to the raised parts. Both sides show relatively few dings and scratches and the enamel is very well preserved without repairs. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period screwplate.
Medal for Bravery #148450
Made of solid silver and lacquer. Measures 37.18 mm in diameter and 2.96 mm in thickness. The height of the medal measures 41.99 mm (including the eyelet) and it weighs 30.0 grams without its suspension. The suspension measures 25.46 mm in width at its narrowest part and 31.49 at its widest point.
In excellent, well above average condition considering it is an early wartime medal. Its details are still perfectly visible. Much of the original red lacquer filling the letters CCCP is still present and both sides show an appealing toning to the silver. Its solid silver suspension is original as is the brass screw, the nut, the plate holding the red ribbon and the screw plate tightening it all up. Its connection ring has not been cut.
Order Booklet
In good condition with all pages firmly attached to its cover. It mentions the three awards in this lot plus a Red Star which is not present.
Research of the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class:
Assistant to the commander of a rifle battalion, Captain Shirokov, in offensive battles organized clear and systematic work of the battalion headquarters to ensure control over the combat operations of the battalion. Over the course of three battles, he repeatedly demonstrated bravery, personal courage, and valor.
From August 11 till 13, 1944, during the battle for the city of Bilkovishki, through proper organization and execution of combat, he ensured the success of the battalion’s combat operations and the excellent fulfillment of its mission, while inflicting heavy losses on the enemy in manpower and equipment and capturing significant trophies.
During the counterattack of large enemy tank forces on August 21, 1944, he steadfastly held the battalion’s position, using fire to isolate the enemy infantry from the tanks and destroying more than a company of enemy infantry.
He is deserving of the government award, the Order of Alexander Nevsky.
Research of the Order of the Red Star:
Comrade Shirokov I.D. conscientiously approaches his duties, ensuring the completion of significant tasks. During the liberation of Manchuria, in the area of Sosamura, he ensured the passage of approximately 160 kilometers along the routes cleared of Japanese forces.
Thanks to his initiative, there was consistent daily accounting of personnel and weapons, and the prevention of unauthorized actions and incidents. As a result, no significant losses or incidents occurred.
For his contributions, Comrade Shirokov is deserving of the government award, the Order of the Red Star.
Research of the Bravery Medal:
In the Northwestern sector of the front, while serving as the political commissar of a telegraph and cable company, he dedicated great effort to organizing the political and moral training of the personnel, fulfilling all assigned tasks, and establishing strict military discipline in his unit, ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of the communication lines.
On the Vuoksi River near the village of Kozlovo, repeatedly under heavy artillery and mortar fire from the enemy, he personally supervised the restoration of interrupted communication lines, completing tasks in full and on time.
On the Southwestern sector of the Stalingrad front, while working on restoring communication lines under heavy bombing and artillery fire near Stalingrad, he personally repaired breaks in communication lines on 11 occasions, ensuring uninterrupted communication for command units. These repairs were carried out in the settlements of Grokhovskaya, Saizonovka, Verkhne-Yablochny, and others.
Guard Captain Comrade Shirokov demonstrated exceptional personal bravery in combat conditions, setting an example for others through his initiative and ingenuity. He showed the ability to promptly organize the repair of damaged lines and effectively restore operational communication under combat conditions.
Comrade Shirokov is worthy of being presented with the Order of the Red Star.
 More information on Captain Shirokov can be found here
Great grouping for both fighting at Stalingrad and against the Japanese!
Please contact us with questions
