Description
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #170230
Awarded to Guard Jr. Sergeant Alexey Eremovich Voronenko (Алексей Еремовичо Вороненко)
By employing his submachine gun and hand grenades, he successfully eliminated 6 German troops, including 1 officer and 4 machine-gun crews, while conducting reconnaissance of the approaches to the Oder river. Thanks to his actions, the river crossing was accomplished and a bridgehead on the western bank was captured
Sgt. Voronenko was sadly KIA shortly after and buried in Germany
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 46.03 mm in height, 43.75 mm in width and weighs 28.8 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.
In decent overall condition with most details still perfectly visible and light wear to the gold base. The red and white enamels are free from repairs but show several dings, scratches and a small superficial chip on the 3 o’clock ray of the red star. The raised hammer and sickle shows some traces of wear too but is still firmly attached and authentic to the order. The order comes with it well fitted screwpate and its screw has not been shortened.
Since Sgt. Voronenko died only two months after receiving this order and it still shows several dings and scratches to the enamels, we tend to believe this order was either a ground dug or a German war trophy. The fact that Sgt. Voronenko was buried in Germany and the overall appearance of the order and screwplate contribute to this believe.
Interesting piece with a tragic history
Brief description of his feat of arms or achievements:
After having broken through strong enemy defence near the village Stopnica on 12 January 1945, our troops successfully pursued the retreating German forces and reached the river Oder, where the enemy brought the reinforcements and fortified on the western river bank. Despite intensive enemy artillery and air bombardment, comrade VORONENKO reconnoitered the approaches to the river and advancing covertly approached an enemy forward detachment. Utilising his submachine gun and hand grenades, he eliminated 6 German troops, 1 officer, and 4 machine-guns. This effort, enabled the success of the river crossing and capture of a bridgehead on the western bank.
For exhibited courage and bravery in combat, comrade VORONENKO deserves state award order “PATRIOTIC WAR I CLASS”.
The full translation of the research can be read below:
More information on Sgt. Voronenko can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery are his KIA report of March 1945, the combat diary of the 41st Guards Rifle Regiment and a map Jarischau burial site
Please contact us with questions
