Description
Group consisting of an Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class and two Red Stars
Awarded to Major-General Petr Trofimovich Latun (Петр Трофимович Латун)
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 #169131
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. The order weighs 28.9 grams without its screwplate and measures 45.15 mm in width and 47.22 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 #156766
Made of solid silver and enamels. The order weighs 30.2 grams without its screwplate and measures 48.42 mm in width and 46.59 mm in height. This early variation has a round base ‘heel’ of the screw.
In excellent, above average condition. The details of the raised areas of the center medallion are still visible and show light wear. The red enamels are well preserved and without repairs and show some small dings and scratches only. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.
Order of the Red Star #3679232
Made of solid silver and enamels. The order weighs 30.5 grams without its screwplate and measures 48.55 mm in width and 46.46 mm in height.
The order is in near mint condition with all details crisp and light overall wear. Its enamels are extremely well preserved without chipping or repairs. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period and well fitted nut.
Citation for the Order of the Patriotic War #169131:
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 #156766:
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”.
Citation for the Red Star #3679232:
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 read here
More information on General Latun can be found here, here and here
“In memory of the heroes of the last days of the war” by General Latun:
This took place in the area of the town of Baruth, which is 30 kilometers south of Berlin. After the conclusion of the fighting in East Prussia, our unit began marching toward Berlin.
Morning broke: on April 26, 1945, a large group of fascists attacked our units near Baruth. Our troops took up positions along the highway. There, a large group of fascist soldiers and officers, surrounded near the southeastern approaches to Berlin, attempted to break out. From the German encirclement, they were trying desperately to break through in the direction of Baruth–Luckenwalde, in an effort to join the American forces. The fighting intensified. With each passing hour, the battle grew fiercer. The combat reached an unprecedented level of intensity. During this same time, brutal fighting was also taking place in Berlin itself.
Given the critical and tense situation, on April 28, 1945, the First Deputy Commander of the troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front, Army General A.A. Grechko, arrived by plane in the Baruth area. After personally assessing the situation, General Grechko ordered the command of the 68th Tank Corps to use all means necessary to stop the enemy breakthrough near Baruth. After issuing his orders, General Grechko departed for the front.
At that moment, the situation around Baruth was extremely tense: the battle had already lasted more than a day, and the enemy continued to concentrate large forces in an attempt to break through westward. Soviet soldiers fought bravely and steadfastly. Along the road between Luckenwalde and Baruth, numerous burned-out tanks, vehicles, bodies of German soldiers, and destroyed artillery could be seen. On April 29, 1945, several more large attacks were repelled. Captured enemy soldiers revealed during interrogation that they had tried to surrender to American forces, but were disarmed and sent back toward our lines.
On April 30, our units began clearing the enemy columns in the Baruth area. During these operations, Soviet officers and soldiers fell heroically. The fallen were buried with military honors. The funeral took place in the square of Baruth. Major Latushkin spoke on behalf of the unit and the local population. Flowers were laid on the graves, and schoolchildren from Baruth placed wreaths.
Although the war was nearing its end, the fighting continued to claim lives until the very last moments. After these battles, our group continued its march toward Luckenwalde.
Also included in the picture gallery is a digital image of Capt. Latun and his citation for his Order of the Patriotic War 1st class (which is not present in this lot)
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