Description
Group of two Orders of the Red Star
Awarded to SMERSH Lieutenant Ivan Stepanovich Bochkarev (Иван Степанович Бочкарев)
For distinguishing himself by capturing traitors and state criminals during critical operations near Vitebsk and East Prussia and repelling enemy counterattacks, ensuring the regiment’s advance and safeguarding its mission against internal and external threats
These two Red Stars were Bochkarev’s only numbered awards so this can be considered to be a complete grouping
Order of the Red Star #736504
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 50.18 mm in width, 47.04 mm in height and weighs 31.3 gram without its screwplate. The mint mark is located above, and the serial number underneath the screw post.
The order is in superb condition with well preserved enamels without damage or repairs. The details on the medallion portraying the solder are perfectly visible and both sides show an appealing dark patina to the silver. The well fitted screwplate is time period to the order and its screw has not been shortened.
Order of the Red Star #1764089
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 48.48 mm in width, 46.83 mm in height and weighs 30.9 gram without its screwplate. The mint mark is located above, and the serial number underneath the screw post.
In equally great condition as the previous one with similar patina to the silver. Here too the screw has not been shortened and the screwplate is time period to the order.
Brief excerpt of the citations:
Order of the Red Star #736504
Senior Lieutenant Bochkarev, together with the forward units, actively participated in breaking through the enemy’s defenses near Vitebsk, crossing the Berezina River, directing the regiment’s command post out of the combat zone, and organizing this operation.
Despite the difficulties and complexity of the offensive mission, he honorably fulfilled the special assignments given by the command, giving his life and blood for the Motherland and for the expulsion and removal of traitors, betrayers of the Motherland and other henchmen of fascism.
During the regiment’s combat period, Comrade Bochkarev detained a number of dangerous state criminals who were attempting to obstruct the advancement of Red Army units.
Senior Lieutenant Bochkarev is deserving of the ‘Order of the Red Star’
Order of the Red Star #1764089
During the offensive operations in East Prussia, Guard Lieutenant Bochkarev, located within the forward detachments of the regiment, actively participated in battle operations. He repeatedly participated with reconnaissance units in repelling enemy counterattacks. Throughout the regiment’s advance, no extraordinary incidents occurred under the command of Guard Lieutenant Bochkarev. His constant presence at the forefront of the regiment’s formation enabled the regiment to suffer fewer combat losses.
On March 5, near the railroad booth, when the enemy launched a counterattack, Guard Lieutenant Bochkarev bravely engaged in repelling the counterattack, which was successfully repelled with the enemy suffering heavy losses in manpower.
More information on Lt. Bochkarev can be found here
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