Description
Soviet Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #273355
Awarded to private Petr Yermolaevich Shimko (Петр Ермолаевич Шимко)
For fighting at Stalingrad from August 1942 till 23 November 1942 where he was severely wounded and completely lost sight
Rare ‘Mercedes’ (the position of the spikes on its reverse) variation with its mint mark in two lines
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 45.65 mm in height, 43.70 mm in width and weighs 31.6 grams without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark Monetni Dvor is located at the 12 o’clock position of its reverse. The minimum known serial number for this variation is 242489 and the maximum is 276539. The actual number produced of this variation is much less considering the majority of orders in this range has the spikes in their ‘regular’ position.
In nice overall condition with some superficial chips on the 3 and 5 o’clock rays of the red star. The details are crisp and the white enamels and the red enamels on the other rays of the red star are problem free and there have been no repairs. Its screwpate is time period to the order and the screw maintained its full length.
Its accompanying booklet is in worn condition but contains all pages. It mentions this Order of the Patriotic War only and thus can be considered a complete and documented group
Rare variation with document and awarded for Stalingrad!
Brief description of his feat of arms or achievements:
He fought in the Patriotic war on the Stalingrad front from August 1942 till 23 November 1942 as part of 108 guards rifle regiment, 36 Guards rifle division. On 23 November 1942, he was severely wounded in the head and was transferred unconscious to the evacuation hospital №1648 in the town Penza. As the result of his wound, he completely lost his sight. He remained hospitalised until 29 May 1943. At the present, he is a war disabled of the I category and is unemployed. He deserves state award order “PATRIOTIC WAR I CLASS”.
More information on private Shimko can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is a battle map showing the 63th Guards Rifle Division at Stalingrad and the combat diary of the 36th Guards Rifle Division on 23 November 1942
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