Description
Soviet Documented Order of the Patriotic War 1st class and Order of the Red Star
Awarded to Major Mark Afanasyevich Bodnar (Марк Афанасьевич Боднарь)
For his personal participation in shooting down over a dozen aircraft with his regiment and exterminating enemy infantry when repelling counterattacks in 1943
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #25633 (Scarce variation with ‘thin spikes’)
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 45.15 mm in height, 43.86 mm in width and it weighs 29.8s gram without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark Monetni Dvor at the 12 o’clock position of its reverse. The minimum known serial number for this variation is #23972 and the maximum is #26928.
This original order of the Patriotic War is in superb condition. The details are crisp and even the higher laying parts like the hammer and sickle show virtually no wear. Both the white and red enamels are stunning and free from chipping or flaking and show some minor contact marks only. Its screw has not been shortened and there have been no repairs. The accompanying silver screwplate fits well and is original to the award.
Rare early screwback variation in next to impossible to upgrade condition with less than 3000 pieces produced!
Order of the Red Star #875127
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 47.96 mm in height, 49.95 mm in width and it weighs 32.3 grams without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark Monetni Dvor above the screwpost on its reverse.
In great condition with most details crisp and light overall wear. The red enamels are problem free apart from a minor superficial chip on the very tip of the 3 o’clock ray. Its screw has not been shortened and there have been no repairs. Its accompanying screwplate fits well and is time period to the award.
Order booklet mentioning the awards above
In excellent condition with all pages firmly attached to its cover. Next to the awards above 3 other awards were mentioned which are not in this lot: Order of Alexander Nevsky and 2 Orders of the Red Banner
Brief description of his feat of arms or achievements for his Order of the Patriotic War 1st class:
“During the period from 10/01/1943 to the present, during which Major Bodnar is in command of the 1089th anti-aircraft artillery regiment of the high command reserve, the regiment is continuously involved in offensive battles against the German invaders and successfully performs the task of covering infantry battle formations from enemy aircraft and repelling counterattacks enemy. During this time, the regiment shot down 11 aircraft. In the area of the village of Lyubimovka in December 1943, when repelling counterattacks, a machine-gun company of the regiment exterminated enemy infantry. In January 1944, in the area of Moshly Orlovka, during the shelling of ground targets, the regiment’s firepower destroyed several aircraft and up to an enemy infantry company. With his skillful command and personal participation, Major Bodnar ensured the success of these military operations.
Worthy of awarding the Order of the Patriotic War of the 1st degree.”
More info on Major Bodnar can be found here
The citation of his Order of the Red Star was not available online. On request we might be able to get it from the archives
Also included in the picture gallery is a scan of an image of Major Bodnar
Please contact us with questions
