Description
Documented group of Soviet Awards
Awarded to Guards Sr. Sergeant Fedor Yakovlevich Yarmolenko (Федор Яковлевич Ярмоленко)
For destroying up to a platoon of enemy troops and 2 enemy mortars and suppressing one firing position with his crew at the town of Tarnopol (Ukraine). Yarmolenko also fought at Stalingrad for which he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner
Note the interesting and highly unusual way Yarmolenko mounted his Red Star and badges to a suspension
The group consists of the following items:
Order of the Red Star #557191
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 46.87 mm in width and weighs 26.9 grams. The mint mark Monetni Dvor in two lines is located at the top of its reverse and the serial number at the bottom.
In worn, converted condition. The center medallion shows strong wear and the enamels on two rays of the star have been repaired. Its screw has been cut off and an eyelet was soldered on top so it could be attached to a suspension. This way of wearing is highly unusual and normally only seen with foreigners who were given a Soviet award. Why Sgt. Yarmolenko wore his red star and badges like this remains a mystery but it could be that he did not want to drill holes in his jacket.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #1014199
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 46.17 mm in height, 43.84 mm in width and weighs 27.2 grams. The 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 beautiful enamels and without repairs. Its details are all crisp and its screw remained full length. The order comes with its well fitted screwplate.
Its accompanying document is in pristine condition and is numbered A 332422
Medal for the Defence of Stalingrad with document
Made of gold plated brass. Measures 32.19 in diameter and weighs 16.4 grams.
The medal is in excellent condition with most details visible and light overall wear. It was awarded in 1943 and shows an appealing dark patina. Its connection ring has not been cut.
Its accompanying document is in vintage condition and is numbered A 36322
Medal for the Liberation of Prague with document
Made of gold plated brass. Measures 32.25 in diameter and weighs 17.5 grams.
The medal is in excellent condition with crisp details and much gold plating present.
Its accompanying document is in vintage but complete condition and is numbered A 286426
Medal for Victory over Germany with document
Made of gold plated brass. Measures 32.34 in diameter and weighs 17.5 grams.
In nice condition with medium overall wear.
Its accompanying document is in vintage but complete condition and is numbered E 0141415
Excellent Artillery Badge
Made of brass and enamels. Measures 35.86 in width and weighs 17.2 grams.
In nice but converted condition. The badge shows medium wear but all enamels are present and original. Similar to the Order of Red Star its screw has been cut off and an eyelet was soldered on top so it could be attached to a suspension.
Excellent Mortar Man Badge
Made of brass and enamels. Measures 37.80 in width and weighs 18.0 grams.
In nice but converted condition. The badge shows medium wear and a chip left of the hammer & sickle but most enamels are present and original. Like the Red Star and Artillery Badge its screw has been cut off and an eyelet was soldered on top so it could be attached to a suspension.
Czechoslovakian Dukla Battle Partisan Medal with documents
Made of bronze. Measures 34.22 in diameter and weighs 18.3 grams without its suspension.
The medal is decent condition with most details visible. It comes with 2 documents named to Sergeant Fedor Yakovlevich Yarmolenko
Certificate of War Participant
Also present in this lot is a certificate stating Sgt. Yarmolenko participated in the Great Patriotic War. It includes an original picture of him.
Citation of the Order of the Red Star
“Mortar crew commander Guards Sr. Sergeant YARMOLENKO F.Y. proved himself as one of the best and skilful commanders of the unit in the combat against the German-Fascist invaders. He is disciplined and demanding towards himself and the subordinates. He executes all the given orders quickly and precisely. His mortar crew is the best in the battery. In the combat operations for the town Tarnopol on 05 April 1944, his crew destroyed up to a platoon of enemy troops and 2 enemy mortars, suppressed one firing position.
He is devoted to the great cause of the Lenin-Stalin party.
He deserves state award – order “RED STAR”.”
The full translation of the citation can be read here
Note:the Order of the Red Banner below is not present in this lot but was awarded for actions in Stalingrad
Citation of the Order of the Red Banner
“He is the Patriotic war participant since September 1941. In all the combat engagements of this period, comrade YARMOLENKO exhibited examples of courage and bravery. In the fights for elimination of the encircled enemy force in Stalingrad, he acted exceptionally brave and decisive. Just during one day of 29 January 1943, his mortar crew eliminated over 50 Hitlerites, suppressed 5 firing positions, and destroyed one enemy vehicle.
For great combat skill, for courage and bravery exhibited near Stalingrad, comrade YARMOLENKO deserves state award – order “RED BANNER”.”
The full translation of the citation can be read here
More information on Sgt. Yarmolenko can be found here
Yarmolenko was declared KIA on 09.09.1943 but he likely was wounded and then continued his service in another unit. The KIA report and a map of the place he was reported KIA can be found in the picture gallery
