Description
Documented Group of Soviet Awards
Awarded to Captain Ivan Mikhailovich Gichko (Иван Михайлович Гичко)
For destroying 1 artillery battery, 6 mortar batteries, 10 machine guns, 18 fire points, hundreds of soldiers, 15 vehicles and securing multiple towns despite his injuries
This impressive group is very complete and consists of both military and civil awards and comes with extensive and interesting research
This group of Soviet awards consists of the following items:
Order of the Red Banner #269394
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 45.52 mm in height, 37.05 mm in width and weighs 27.7 grams without its suspension.
In excellent, well above average condition with virtually all of the original gold plating present. Its details are crisp and both sides show few small dings and scratches. The red and white enamels are without repairs or chipping and very well preserved. Both sides show a light toning to the silver and the double layer steel suspension is time period to the order. Its connection ring has not been cut and the order comes with an old ribbon.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #271106
Made of gold, silver and enamels. Measures 47.86 mm in height, 45.22 mm in width and weighs 26.4 grams without its screwplate.
In great condition with crisp details and a medium dark patina to the silver on both sides. Its white and red enamels are well preserved without repairs and show some minor contact marks only. Its screw has not been shortened and its well fitted screwplate is time period to the order.
Order of the Red Star #289437
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 48.46 in width, 46.62 in height and weighs 27.5 grams without its screwplate.
In equally nice condition as the previous awards with a dark patina on both sides and light overall wear. The beautiful wine red enamels are without repairs and show few contact marks only. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its well fitted and time period silver screwplate
Order of the Badge of Honor #330334
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 32.92 in width, 49.97 in height and weighs 32.5 grams without its suspension.
This stunning piece appears to have come straight from the mint, boasting flawless gold plating and an untouched satin-like silver finish. The enamels are in perfect condition, and the connection ring remains uncut. Without a doubt, this is the finest example we have ever encountered!
Medal for Labor Valor
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 34.17 in diameter, 39.10 in height including its eyelet and weighs 23.4 grams without its suspension.
In excellent condition with light overall wear and flawless enamels. Its connection ring has not been cut and the medal comes with its time-period brass suspension.
Order Booklet
In excellent condition with all pages firmly attached to the cover. The booklet mentions all numbered awards above which makes this a complete grouping
Translation of the citations:
Order of the Red Banner #269394
In January 15, 1945 during breaking enemy’s defense in region of Somogy and Pidiare, by fire of his division destroyed: 1 mortar battery, 6 machine-gun fire points and 2 enemy platoons of infantry. Suppressed fire: 2 mortar batteries, 3 fire points, that prevented moving of our infantry, what contributed capturing of settlements Somogy, Pidiare and advancing of our infantry on 15 km.
In January 27, 1945 during capturing town Levoča (Slovakia) in night combat, managing by massive fire of his division cleaned path for advancing infantry and destroyed during this: 3 pillboxes, 6 machine-gun fire points. Opening fire on advancing German’s column destroyed 3 vehicles with military equipment, 2 tractors and 6 wagons.
In March 11-14, 1945 during breaking German’s defense Western town Strumień in fierce combats showed heroism and dedication. By massive fire of his division destroyed: 1 artillery battery, 1 mortar battery, 6 machine-gun fire points, what contributed to capturing settlements Golasowice, Węgry.
During reflecting enemy’s counterattack was heavy wounded. Despite on this, he continued manage by division, until reflect counterattack. Deserves Governmental award: order “RED BANNER”.
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd Class #271106
Participated in WWII since October 1941, showed himself as brave, capable and active officer.
In September 27, 1944 in combat for altitude 1190, 1063, Runina, when commander of division was surrounded, he took management of division on himself, as result by fire of division destroyed: 5 heavy machine-guns, 3 light machine-guns, 10 wagons with ammunition and military equipment and around company of enemy soldiers and officers. Suppressed fire of 1 artillery and 3 mortar batteries.
In November 20, 1944 in combats during breaking enemy defense, through excellent organization of communication and personal management by division, by division’s fire caused following losses to enemy: 2 heavy machine-guns with crew, suppressed fire of 5 fire points and killed 40 Germans.
In December 24, 1944 in combat for settlement Belzha, aiming mortar battery fire he destroyed: 2 heavy machine-guns and around platoon of enemy soldiers. Suppressed fire of 2 mortar batteries.
Order of the Red Star #289437
Gichko constantly participated in WWII from October 1941 showed himself as brave and courageous commander.
In November 20, 1941 in combat under village Malye Saly of Rostov region commanding by mortar company of cut enemy infantry moving with 60 tanks and destroyed around 28 platoons of infantry.
In November 27, 1941 in combat near Rostov as commander of mortar company destroyed more than platoon of enemies, what contributed to success of capturing of Rostov.
In August 1942 in combat for Molgobek, Voznesensk and Mozdok aiming fire of mortar battalion destroyed 5 machine-gun fire points and around 28 platoons of enemy infantry.
Gichko fearless and capable commander, teaching his subordinates to devotion to Motherland. Disciplined, devoted to Communist Party and Motherland deserves governmental award order “Red Star”.
