Description
Group of Soviet Orders of the Patriotic War 2nd class #18761 and Red Banner #101397 with ID
Awarded to Konstantin Kuzmich Goridko (Константин Кузьмич Горидько)
For taking a seemingly impenetrable fortress on the Taman Peninsula and commanding the defence of ferocious enemy counter-attacks supported by tanks and fresh SS troops at the Oder River
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #18761
Made of silver, gold and enamels. Measures 42.86 mm in width, 44.31 mm in height and weighs 32.2 gram without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 7 o’clock position of its reverse.
This order has been converted by the awardee into a screwback according to the new 1943 regulations on wearing Soviet awards. It appears the old parts of the suspension were used for this propose which was often the case.
In great, well above average condition considering it has been modified. Its details are crisp and even the higher laying parts on the hammer and sickle have sharp edges. The enamels are stunning without repairs and show minor contact marks and dings only; quite rare with these early pieces. The order comes with a time period silver screwplate.
Order of the Red Banner #101397
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.03 mm in height, 37.11 mm in width and it weighs 25.8 gram without its suspension. The serial number and mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse. Above the mint mark in the center dimple, an ‘8’ is stamped, often referred to as a ‘makers mark’.
In excellent condition with most details visible and light to medium wear on the higher laying parts like the center wreath and torch. The red and white enamels are almost fully present and problem free apart from some minor superficial flaking. Much of the original gold plating is still present on both sides its reverse shows an appealing dark patina to the silver. The order is without repairs and comes with its time period double layer steel suspension and uncut connection ring.
Military Passport
In problem free condition with all pages present and still attached to it cover. The document is numbered ‘241066’.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements (for the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class):
During the intensive battle for breaking through the enemy “Blue Line” defences, which covered the enemy controlled Taman’ peninsula, comrade GORIDKO was present among the combat formations and held tight control over the troops in the engagement by following a thoroughly thought out plan and the combat action tables delivered to all the subordinate units of the regiment. On the first day of the offensive, the regiment Commander fell in battle. Comrade GORIDKO remained resolute and in control. In the most decisive and hard moment of the battle, he assumed the command over the regiment. During the two days after 15.09.1943, the enemy’s impenetrable fortress was breached under GORIDKO’s leadership and command. In the heat of the battle and the desire to push forward near the village Gladkovskaya, the headquarters lost signalling link to the battalions in the field. Comrade GORIDKO promptly ensured the link was re-established and thus avoided confusion on the battlefield. Despite intensive enemy fire opposition, the battalions pushed forward and pressed the retreating enemy in a coordinated manner as one force and held contact to the friendly units on the flanks. Well organised reconnaissance ensured the enemy plans were promptly exposed and the battalions could maintain coordinated pressure not letting the enemy to mount an organised defence. In the engagement for the village Gladkovskaya, he ensured the regiment took control over the road Gladkovksaya – Soglasie with low casualties. This put the enemy group located in Gladkovskaya under threat. The enemy fled leaving behind its equipment. In the offensive operation for the village Zaporozhskaya on 07.10.1943, he organised assault detachments. Following his directives, these detachments successfully attacked the enemy and ensured the advance of the regiment combat formations.
The full translation of the citation can be read here
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements (for the Order of the Red Banner):
During the period from the strong enemy defence line breakthrough on the Pulawy bridgehead on the left bank of Vistula river on 14.01.1945, Lt. Colonel GORIDKO has been in the operative group of the headquarters and provided support the Commander. He provided timely the relevant information to the division Commander and to the headquarters higher up the chain of command. Along the 550km long combat path covered by the division, in the heated battles against the enemy main force, comrade GORIDKO many times was among the fighting formations of the rifle regiments, where he delivered practical assistance and helped in achieving the combat objectives.
On 05.02.1945, he crossed to the western bank of Oder river following a rifle regiment. He commanded the defence of the bridgehead against ferocious enemy counter-attacks supported by tanks and SPGs. Throwing in fresh SS troops, the enemy counter-attacked trying to clear the bridgehead. There were days, when up to 20 enemy attacks fell on the bridgehead defenders. Defying fear and exhaustion, comrade GORIDKO delivered direct practical command in these engagements. On the night to 09.02.1945, he personally commanded a detachment of submachine-gunners which was tasked with eliminating the enemies, who infiltrated the bridgehead positions in the sector between the village Vogelsang and the hill 28,7.
The full translation of the citation can be read here
More info on Goridko can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is are relevant battle maps of the 383rd Rifle Division near Krymskay and near Vogelsang and two pictures of Goridko (one original in his military ID and one digital)
Lt. Col. Goridko was highly decorated and also received the Order of suvorov 3rd class, another Red Banner and a Red Star next to the awards in this lot
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