Description
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #15817
Awarded posthumously to senior sergeant Afanasy Ivanovich Shkolnij (Афанасий Иванович Школьный)
For personally demolishing 3 pillboxes with their garrisons, capturing 3 enemy soldiers and repelling several enemy attacks
Recommended for the Order of the Red Banner
Made of solid gold and silver. The medal itself measure is 42.73 mm in width, 47.47 mm in height including the eyelet and it weighs 26.9 gram without its suspension. The suspension is 32.51 mm in width at its widest point and 25.95 mm in width at its narrowest point. The serial number is located at the 7 o’clock position on its reverse.
This order of the Patriotic War is in nice condition. The details on both sides are crisp and the serial number is perfectly visible and in the familiar style for this range. The white enamel and the enamel on 4 arms of the red star are problem free with minor dings and scratches only. The enamel on the top ray of the red star has a large chip which is commonly seen with these early suspension type orders. The suspension is original but the top has been cut off for unknown reasons. The screwplate is a replacement and its connection ring has been cut.
Scarce piece with interesting research
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“In the engagement on 17 July 1943 near the village Senicheno, he commanded the assault squad. Under enemy fire, they cleared a path in the enemy barbed wire obstacles, which enabled the advance of the rifle units.
He led the siege operation of the enemy pillboxes. While being subjected to heavy enemy fire, he personally demolished 3 operational and firing enemy pillboxes with their garrisons. He acted bravely and decisively during the assault and inspired the troops. He captured 3 prisoners of war: two Gefreiters and one interpreter (of Ossetian nationality).
On 19 July 1943, as a leader of an assault squad, he was sent on top of tanks to the enemy rear area. When the tank was ignited by an enemy thermite (incendiary) shell, he organised defence perimeter and steadfastly held his ground for 6 hours. With his gallant personal conduct he encouraged the troops and repelled several enemy attacks.
After the firearm ammunitions ran out, he employed hand-grenades and held the perimeter until the reinforcement arrived.
He deserves order “RED BANNER””
The full translation of the research cab be found below:
Also in the picture gallery are scans of the temporary award certificate and his KIA report
More info on sergeant Shkolnij can be found here
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