Description
Order of Alexander Nevsky #5575
Awarded to Captain Ivan Antonovich Matkovsky (Иван Антонович Матковский)
For destroying 10 enemy bunkers in China and inflicting colossal losses upon the Japanese during the Battle of Dunin
The Battle of Dunin Fortified was the final battle of World War II
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 49.61 mm in height, 48.74 mm in width and it weighs 36.6 grams without its screwplate. The mint mark Monetni Dvor is located directly underneath the screw. The serial number is engraved at the usual 5 o’clock position.
In excellent, far above average condition with all details still visible and crisp. The higher laying parts on its obverse show light wear and few contact marks only. A fair amount of the original gold plating is still present although some has worn off. The enamels are beautiful without repairs and shows some small dings and scratches only. The long screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period silver screwplate.
It is debated on a Russian forum that the enamels might have been replaced. However, we see no signs of this and it might be the result of the atypical tone of the enamels in the pictures used at this forum.
Scarce early variation with great research to Japan. Desirable as such!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
During the fighting with the Japanese invaders in the sector of the 25th Army’s 106th Fortified Region between August 15–20, 1945, Captain Matkovsky’s battalion destroyed 10 enemy bunkers in the Dunin Fortified Region’s southern pocket of resistance. The more robust iron and concrete bunkers on the Bliznetsy and Shiminza hills were destroyed by Captain Matkovsky’s battalion’s guns in direct fire mode from a distance of 1500–1800 meters. Each of these structures was hit by between 2 and 15 shells, inflicting colossal losses upon the enemy. Captain Matkovsky’s guns also launched barrages when they were taken under fire by enemy artillery.
Battalion commander Captain Matkovsky was continuously present at the firing positions and guided the gunfire of his heavy artillery, looking for new targets to be destroyed by his guns.
Captain Matkovsky himself spotted two thoroughly camouflaged bunkers, which were subsequently destroyed.
Through his courage and bravery he inspired his subordinates to perform heroic deeds.
Captain Matkovsky is an ardent patriot of his motherland. He is willing to carry out the most difficult combat missions at any moment.
Through his courage, his skills as an artillery officer, and his ability to command his unit under the most onerous combat conditions [sentence unfinished].
Conclusion: He deserves to be awarded the Order of the Red Banner.
The full translation of the research can be read here and some information on the Battalion here
More info on Capt. Matkovsky can be found here
We found two images online of Capt. Matkovsky, one of them shows him wearing his Order of Alexander Nevsky. These images can be found in the picture gallery.
Please contact us with questions
