Description
Complete Group consisting of an Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class and a Red Star
Awarded to Guards Captain Andrej Fedorovich Shvachko (Швачко Андрей Федорович)
For being among the combat troops and inspiring them at the Königsberg assault. As a result all the enemy attacks were fended off and up to 2 companies of enemy troops were eliminated in the process
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #411271
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. The order weighs 25.2 grams without its screwplate and measures 45.91 mm in width and 47.76 mm in height.
In excellent condition with all details crisp and light overall wear. The enamels are free from repairs and chipping and show some dings and scratches only. The order comes with its original, time period and well fitted screwplate and its screw has not been shortened.
Order of the Red Star #323744
Made of solid silver and enamels. The order weighs 27.9 grams without its screwplate and measures 47.07 mm in width and 46.04 mm in height.
In excellent condition with problem free enamels. The higher laying parts of the order show light wear and most details are crisp. It comes with its time period silver screwplate and its screw is full length.
Citation for the Order of the Patriotic War:
Comrade SHVACHKO is the a political officer of a mortar battalion. In this capacity, he conducted extensive political and educational work among the personnel during the defensive period near Preussisch-Arnau before the assault on Koenigsberg.
The blows of the Red Army from the south and north-west direction pushed the Germans, who were trying the retreat through the positions of the mortar battalion. But the mortar soldiers fended off all the enemy attacks eliminating in the process up to 2 companies of enemy troops, and then attacked themselves 8th of April.
Comrade SHVACHKO was among the combat troops and inspired the Communist party members to be the vanguard of the Koenigsberg assault, thus contributing to the successful achievement of the objectives.
During this combat operation, 12 best soldiers of the mortar battalion joined the ranks of the Communist party.
The mortar battalion Communist party organisation members are solidly united in their support to their commanders and honourably fulfilled all their combat missions.
CONCLUSION: For good organisation of political activities during the days of the Koenigsberg battle, for personal courage and bravery, he deserves state award order “PATRIOTIC WAR II CLASS”.
Citation for the Red Star:
Comrade SHVACHKO is always present among the combat formations of his troops and with his cold attitude, steadfastness, and courage inspires the soldiers for the combat feats. Such happened in the combat engagements during the forced crossing of the rivers Desna and Dnieper, the battles for the villages Domantovo and Gorodische.
His daily educational work ensured high political awareness and moral among the battalion troops. He deserves state award order “RED STAR”.
Full Translation of the research can be found below
– citation Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class
– citation Order of the Red Star
More information on Captain Shvachko can be found here
Since these two orders were his only numbered awards, this set can be considered a complete group
Also included in the picture gallery is a digital image of Capt. Shvachko, a combat map of Domantova on 01 October 1943 and a map of Preussisch-Arnau
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