Description
Group of Orders of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 3rd class, Patriotic War 1st class and Glory 2nd class
Awarded to Sergeant Vasiliy Evlampevich Storonkin (Василий Евлампьевич Сторонкин)
For being the first to rush into the enemy trenches in East-Prussia on several occasions, killing many Germans in the process and enabling the capture of the settlements. Even when wounded he did not leave the battlefield
Recommended for the Order of Glory 1st class twice(!)
Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky 3rd class #5946
Made of solid silver. It measures 45.00 mm in width, 45.75 in height and weighs 29.8 gram without its screwplate. Type 2 variation with its central medallion as integrated part of the order.
In excellent, well above average condition with light wear on its higher laying parts and its details perfectly visible. Both sides show few dings only and none distracting from its overall appeal. There have been no repairs and the long screwpost has not been shortened. The order comes with its original and well fitted silver screwplate.
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #287864
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. It measures 45.92 mm in height, 44.23 in width and weighs 33.3 gram.
In well above average condition with stunning enamels without noticeable scratches, flaking and repairs. Its details are perfectly crisp and even the higher laying parts like the hammer and sickle show minor wear only. Both sides show an appealing toning to both the gold and silver parts and and its screw has not been shortened. The order comes with its original and well fitted silver screwplate.
Order of Glory 2nd class #3660
Made of solid silver and enamels. It measures 49.34 mm in height, 47.22 in width and weighs 18.4 gram.
Like the previous awards this Order of Glory is in excellent, well above average condition with almost all gold plating present. The red enamels on the little star and lower banner are beautiful and without chipping or repairs. The higher laying parts of its obverse show light wear only and even the roman numbering of the dial of the clock are still visible. The order comes with its time period double layer steel suspension and its connection ring has not been cut.
An amazing and rare grouping, especially considering it has been awarded to a NCO!
Interesting note: Sgt. Storonkin was recommended for the Order of Glory 1st class twice(!) but received the Order of the Patriotic War and Bogdan Khmelnitsky instead
Citation for the Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky:
In the offensive at the settlement Serpenten (East Prussia) on 20 January 1945, the enemy opened intensive machine-gun fire forcing our infantry to the ground. Defying death, Senior Sergeant STORONKIN rushed decisively towards the enemy trenches, and reaching it, attacked with an anti-tank grenade and killed 2 enemy machine-gunners.
As soon as the enemy machine-gun was silenced, the company rushed the enemy trench in a swift attack and eliminated the enemy personnel in it. Having fortified in the enemy trench, the company provided covering fire support to our other attacking troops. As the result of this effort, the settlement was captured by our troops and the enemy suffered numerous casualties.
For exhibited courage and bravery in the fight against the German invaders, for fearless and defying death conduct, comrade STORONKIN deserves state award ORDER “GLORY I CLASS”.
Citation for the Order of Patriotic War 1st class:
In the battle near the settlement Serpenten (East Prussia) on 20.01.1945, comrade STORONKIN was the first to raise into the attack against the enemy defences. Having rushed into the enemy trenches, he destroyed an enemy machine-gun with the crew with a throw of a hand grenade.
In the battle near the electrical power plant 2.5km south of the town Fridland (East Prussia) on 31.01.1945, he advanced ahead of the main force and eliminated 7 enemy soldiers by the fire of his submachine gun during an enemy counter-attack. Being wounded, he didn’t abandon the battlefield until after the counter-attacking enemy force was fully eliminated. After that, he was sent to the regimental medical point and later evacuated to a hospital.
For exhibited courage and bravery in the fight against hte German invaders, comrade STORONKIN deserves order “GLORY I CLASS”.
Citation for the Order of Glory 2nd class:
In the combat engagement against the German invaders near the village Ackmonienen (East Prussia) on 25.10.1944, comrade STORONKIN exercised his wit and covertly sneaked towards the enemy defence line. Throwing two hand grenades, he destroyed an enemy machine-gun firing at our troops. This enabled our rifle units to advance forward and capture an advantageous terrain from the enemy.
For exhibited resourcefulness and bravery, comrade STORONKIN desired a state award – order “GLORY II CLASS”.
The full translation of the citations can be found below:
More info on Sgt. Storonkin can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is an image of Sgt. Storonkin, maps of the 20th Rifle Division (20RD) of Serpenten on 07 January 1945 and a combat path and combat diary of 67th Rifle Regiment (RR)
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