Description
Soviet Order of the Red Star #1276292
Awarded to Sergeant Petr Vakulovich Malienko (Петр Вакулович Малиенко)
For personally killing 3 enemy submachine-gunners and an officer while being ambushed. Malienko was declared MIA and part of a penal company
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 48.42 mm in width, 46.16 mm in height and weighs 29.6 gram without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark on the 12 o’clock position of its reverse.
This original order of the Red Star is in a nice, about average condition. The details are mostly visible and the enamels problem free apart from a small chip above the hammer and sickle. There have been no repairs and the screw is full length. It comes with its time period and well fitted screwplate. There are some (paint?) stains on the soldier which might be removed although we have not tried to do so.
Very interesting research!
Short excerpt and translation of the research:
Sgt. MALIENKO Petr Vakulovich, born 1911. He was an ammunition supply squad leader of the 199 separate light-artillery brigade. Wounded in 1941.
Citation:
“During the combat period since 16 April 1945, comrade MALIENKO worked as ammunition supply squad leader. He proved himself as a courageous and brave commander.
On 22 April 1945 near town Cottbus [Near the current border of Polan in Germany], the supply truck column was subjected to unexpected attack by the enemy submachine-gunners. Comrade MALIENKO, being in the in the leading vehicle, jumped out and braced for defence against the enemy submachine-gunners. The fight resulted in MALIENKO personally killing 3 enemy submachine-gunners and one officer.
He deserves state award – order Patriotic war II class. [downgraded to an Order of the Red Star]
29 April 1945. Battery commander 199 separate light artillery brigade Guards Sr. Lieutenant /NESTEROV/“
The veteran also earned a Bravery medal in December 1943 for the actions during the Dnieper crossing.
But shortly before that, MALIENKO was in a penal company of 195RD and was declared MIA on 27 October 1943.
As the document states: “During the assault one the village Grushevka, an enemy force broke through and the contact to the penal company was lost.“
But MALIENKO didn’t perish as we know from this later citations. The veteran lived at least until 1985, when he got his Jubilee OPW2.
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