Description
Documented group of Soviet Awards
Awarded to Lieutenant Andrey Maksimovich Kalashnik (Андрей Моисеевич Калашник)
For exceptional heroism in the defense of the Parichi–Chirkovichi highway, where in a spectacular manner he personally destroyed two Ferdinand tanks under heavy fire, killed up to 40 enemy soldiers, led his company into hand-to-hand combat, and turned the tide of battle by forcing the enemy to retreat in panic. For this feat he was recommended for the title Hero of the Soviet Union
This group of Soviet awards consists of the following items:
Order of the Red Banner #100949
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 45.81 mm in height, 37.32 mm in width and weighs 27.9 grams without its screwplate. Its serial number and mint mark are found on the bottom of its reverse.
In outstanding condition, far above average, particularly for such an early suspension type award. The details remain sharp even on the raised areas, and much of the original gold plating is intact, though partially covered by patina. The enamels are exceptionally well preserved, with no repairs or chipping, and only show minor contact marks. The connection ring is uncut, and the order comes with its double-layer steel suspension and old ribbon.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #292086
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. Measures 48.22 mm in height, 45.92 mm in width and weighs 27.5 grams without its screwplate.
In good overall condition with crisp edges of the gold hammer and sickle. The red and white enamels are mostly present without repairs but show some dents and scratches. Its reverse is excellent condition with relatively few dings and a dark patina to the silver. The order comes with its time period and well fitting nut and ist screw has not been shortened.
Order of the Red Star #409582
Made of solid silver and red enamels. It measures 47.05 mm in height, 48.40 mm in width and weighs 24.5 grams without its screwplate.
In worn condition although a fair amount of detail is visible. The enamels shows loss on the 12 and 3 o’clock rays of the star and is problem free on the other rays. The reverse is in great condition with an appealing dark patina. Its screw remained its full length and the order comes with a well fitting silver screwplate.
Order Booklet
In used free condition with all pages present and still firmly attached to the cover. It does however show some moisture stains. The booklet mentions all three numbered awards above and thus confirms this is a complete grouping.
Citation for the Order of the Red Banner:
Comrade KALACHNIK, in the struggle against the fascist invaders, displayed valor and courage. On the night of the 27/02/1944 in the North-East of Vezhki in the Parichsky district of Poleskaya, a group of anti-tank rifleman took control of the very important highway of PARICHI-CHIRKOVICHI after a fight with the Germans.
On the night of February 27, 1944 up to 100 Germans soldiers rushed twice to counterattack. Thanks to the bravery of comrade Kalashinik the counterattacks were successfully repelled. He personally killed 20 Germans.
On 27/02/1944 up to 200 Germans backed by two tanks and 5 Ferdinands launched a counterattack which, for a period of one hour, was bravely repelled by the anti-tank rifleman company. Kalachnik attacked Ferdinands with Grenades and a heavy encounter started. Acting bravely under the machine gun fire, he threw 2 anti-tank grenades under the track of the Ferdinand and knocked it out. The crew of the second Ferdinand tried to smash the brave men driving straight onto him. Having a grenade in reserve, comrade Kalashnik, under heavy fire, crawled close to the second Ferdinand and knocked it out. He stood up shouting “FOR MOTHERLAND, FOR STALIN” he carried the company into hand-to-hand combat, in the course of which he destroyed up to 10 Germans.
Seeing desperate resistance and incurring heavy losses (2 Ferdinands and up to 80 soldiers), The remaining Germans fled in panic.
Thanks to the personal courage and bravery of Kalashnik, the important highway of “PARICHI-CHIRKOVICHI” was held in control by our people.
The company firmly stood ground. In this unequal battle, comrade Kalashnik personally destroyed two “Ferdinands” and up to 40 German soldiers.
Comrade Kalashnik, for displaying heroism and bravery deserves the highest governmental award: “THE HERO OF THE SOVIET UNION”.
Citation for the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class:
During his service in the Patriotic war since July 1942, comrade KALASHNIK constantly exhibited most outstanding qualities. He skilfully commands his anti-tank unit and always leads them to the most important sectors of battle. Such, during forced crossing of the river Narev, despite deadly enemy fire, comrade KALASHNIK and his unit promptly constructed ad hoc rafts and transported across the river. Firing in salvoes on the move, they destroyed 2 enemy pill boxes, a heavy machine-gun, and up to 20 enemy troops. Thus he assisted our infantry in successful capture of an enemy heavily fortified strongholds: villages Brzóze and Dzbądz (Warsaw voivodeship). In the subsequent defence of the bridgehead, comrade KALASHNIK was all the time present right on the forward line. His platoon assisted infantry troops of 766 rifle regiment to repel 9 enemy counter-attacks. They destroyed 2 enemy firing positions and eliminated up to 20 enemy troops. In the latest offensive operations for breaking through enemy defence near the town Elenow [?] (Warsaw voivodeship), comrade KALASHNIK and his anti-tank platoon were following behind rolling artillery barrage and were the first to enter and capture the first enemy trench. In this combat engagement, he personally eliminated in hand to hand fight 4 German infantrymen and 1 rocket-launcher operator. Firing in salvoes, his platoon destroyed an APC and up to 20 Hitlerites.
For efficient actions during German defence breakthrough operation, for quick crossing of the Narev river, for exhibited initiative and boldness during enemy counter-attacks on the bridgehead, for exhibiting personal courage and bravery, comrade KALASHNIK deserves order “PATRIOTIC WAR II CLASS”.
Signed by the commander of 31 separate anti-tank squadron of 217 rifle “Unecha” Red Banner division.
Captain SINYAGOVSKIJ
30 September 1944
Citation for the Order of the Order of the Red Star:
Comrade KALASHNIK is an initiative and brave officer. On the night to 18 December 1943, he exhibited courage in the fighting against the German invaders south of the town Streshin (Zhlobin district, Gomel region). The Germans sent out a reconnaissance party, which captured our trench after intensive fighting. The anti-tank company, including KALASHNIK’s platoon, stood on the way of the enemy blow and engaged the Germans. With its anti-tank rifles fire, the platoon eliminated an enemy NCO, 5 soldiers, 2 MG positions, and captured 2 submachine-guns and 3 rifles. KALASHNIK personally eliminated 4 German troops and an MG positions. Taking their dead and wounded, the Germans retreated in disarray. In the previous combat engagements near the village Kalinovka (Gomel region) during 20-24 November 1943, KALASHNIK’s platoon eliminated 20 enemy troops and 5 MG positions, while defending against an enemy counter-attack.
For courage and steadfastness, comrade KALASHNIK deserves state award order “RED STAR”.
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