Description
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #195239
Awarded to Guards Captain Mikhail Vasilievich Denisenko (Михаил Васильевич Денисенко)
For exceptional bravery and initiative as a reconnaissance commander, repeatedly penetrating enemy lines under heavy fire during operations in Hungary in November 1944, providing critical intelligence on enemy defenses and firepower that directly enabled successful offensives and territorial gains. Denisenko was severely wounded in the line of duty
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 45.53 mm in height, 43.39 mm in width and weighs 28.9 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 great, well above average overall condition with crisp details and few traces of wear. Even the edges of the solid gold hammer and sickle are well preserved. The white and red enamels are without repairs and chipping and show some contact marks and dings only. Its silver screwpate fits perfectly well and the screw maintained its full length.
Its accompanying booklet is in equally nice condition and contains all pages, securely attached to the cover. It mentions this Order of the Patriotic War together with an Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class and a Red Star.
Brief description of his feat of arms or achievements:
During the battles the regiment fought comrade Denisenko showed himself a bold, energetic, and strong-willed frontline commander. During a reconnaissance mission during the fighting for the city of Jászárokszállás on November 15, 1944 he and a group of scouts galloped into the enemy’s positions and called artillery fire onto himself, which enabled us to determine the layout of the defenses and the presence of firepower, thus ensuring the city could be captured.
During the fighting for the village of Vámosgyörk, the village of Atkár, and the Tash farmstead on November 16-17, 1944 he was given orders to reconnoiter the enemy’s positions. Despite withering enemy fire he rushed into the enemy’s defenses following a bold and daring dash, threw grenades, and engaged in an exchange of fire. He determined the layout of the enemy’s defenses and firepower, which enabled us to drive the enemy out of the village Vámosgyörk and pursue him at his heels toward the village of Atkár and gain control of the road from Gyöngyös to Буднешь.
During the fighting for Nagyréde he and a group of scouts repeatedly ascertained the layout of the enemy’s defenses and took prisoners, who provided oral information, which enabled us to plan the right offensive and seize the village of Nagyréde on November 21, 1944. During the fighting for the Bram and Roza farmsteads, only because of his exceptional audacity it turned out to be possible to provide information about the enemy.
During the fighting for the Chankash farmstead on October 24-27, 1944, he reconnoitered a crossing site under withering enemy fire and determined the layout of the enemy’s defenses and firepower. On October 27, 1944, performing a special assignment, he reconnoitered the Chankesh farmstead under a hail of bullets and exploding artillery and mortar shells and reached the enemy’s front line, but was severely wounded. During all battles the regiment fought between October 15 and 27 he boldly and daringly carried out reconnaissance missions. Without regard for the mortal danger he provided the required information, which enabled our units to conduct their offensive.
He deserves to be awarded the Order of the Red Banner.
More information on Captain Denisenko can be found here
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