Description
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #33370
Awarded to Lt. Colonel Ivan Filippovich Grachev (Иван Филиппович Грачев)
For demonstrating outstanding leadership in engineering operations across five major fronts. He oversaw the clearing of over 1 million mines and led the construction of critical river crossings, enabling major troop advances. His initiative and skill directly contributed to key Soviet breakthroughs
Lt. Col. Grachev was highly decorated and also received two Red Banners, an Order of Nevsky and an Order of LeninÂ
Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 45.65 mm in height, 43.55 mm in width and it weighs 29.2 grams without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark Monetni Dvor at the 12 o’clock position of its reverse.
In superb condition, with a medium patina to the silver and gold parts. The details remain sharp and well-defined, with minimal wear even on raised elements like the hammer and sickle. The red and white enamels are vibrant and intact, showing only a few minor dings and no repair. The exceptionally long screw post – typical of these early awards – remains uncut, and the original silver screwplate fits perfectly and is period-correct.
Excellent example of a early screwback Order of the Patriotic war
Brief description of his feat of arms or achievements:
Comrade Grachev has proven himself a competent, demanding, and disciplined officer in carrying out engineering tasks on the Bryansk, Belorussian, Volkhov, Leningrad, and 3rd Baltic fronts.
From September 25 to November 20, 1943, while leading operations to clear minefields for the Bryansk Front, Comrade Grachev demonstrated outstanding organizational skills. Despite challenging conditions and dispersed units, he managed the brigade and detachments effectively.
He personally implemented practical mine-clearing instructions, safety protocols, and work organization strategies. His leadership ensured that a highly dangerous and complex task was completed on time with high quality.
During this period, the brigade and attached units cleared over 1,000,000 mines, collected around 560,000 shells, 2,500,000 cartridges, and many other explosives. A total of 22,847 hectares, 3,500 populated areas, and 8,690 km of roads were cleared of explosive devices.
On the Volkhov Front, during the breakthrough of enemy defenses near Pervalovo, under Grachev’s leadership, crossings were built over the Volkhov River, including a 200-meter bridge, ensuring the advance of troops.
Along the Ista and Pola rivers from Dubrovinitsa, all equipment of the 39th Army was successfully moved, allowing the troops to flank enemy positions and bypass German defenses around Novgorod.
The construction of crossings over the Volovets and Volkhov rivers near Novgorod, along with mine clearance and engineering support for the advance towards Ostrov and Pskov, was carried out under Grachev’s direct and efficient coordination.
On May 31, 1944, near the village of Pridanikha, under orders from the Commander of the Leningrad Front, Grachev skillfully organized the crossing of the 7th Rifle Corps, overcoming technical and logistical delays.
He particularly distinguished himself during the June 1944 crossing of the Valina River on the Veshkai Island sector (within the 54th Army’s operational zone), where his leadership ensured the timely movement of tanks and other armored vehicles.
Conclusion:
For exemplary execution of command combat missions in providing engineering support to the troops, and for his initiative, diligence, and courage, Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Filippovich Grachev is worthy of the Order of the Red Banner. [Later downgraded to a Order of the Patriotic War 1st class]
The full translation of the citation can be read here
More info on Lt. Col. Grachev can be found here
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