Description
Soviet Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #52548
Awarded to Senior Sergeant Pyotr Ivanovich Sushchenko (Петр Иванович Сущенко)
For destroying five enemy foxholes, a camouflaged anti-tank gun and 7 machine gun positions, killing up to two companies of enemy infantry
Sgt. Sushchenko died from trauma caused by a shrapnel wound on 03.05.1944. His award was sent to his mother with an accompanying letter. The original case, (sealed) bag and letter are in this lot
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. The order weighs 24.2 gram without its screwplate and measures 44.78 mm in width and 46.75 mm in height. This early screwback order is produced by the Krasnokamsky Mint (KMD). The minimum known serial number for this variation is 34787 and the maximum is 71998.
In great condition with crisp details and a beautiful even dark patina on both sides. The enamels are very well preserved without flaking, chips or repairs and shows some small dings only. It comes with its original and silver screwplate. Its long screw -typical for these early awards- has not been shortened.
The case, letter (temporary certificate) and ‘sealed’ bag are all authentic. We have never encountered this unique combination before!
Research translation:
Senior Sergeant Sushchenko, Pyotr Ivanovich (Сущенко Петр Иванович)
Born; 191, Ukrainian Party Member
Rank: Senior Sgt, Gun Commander of the 6th Battery, 2nd Division 132 Howitzer Artillery Regiment. (Reserve of the Supreme Command)
Fought Since 27.10.1942.
Joined: 15.1.1942
Awards:13.12.1942 – For Battle Merit
Commander of the artillery piece, from his weapon, he destroyed five enemy foxholes, suppressed the fire of 2 Mortar batteries. Destroyed 5 Machine gun positions killing up to two companies of enemy infantry. For the battle of the village called Yeritsky on the 13.12.192, despite the shelling of the operational point, he did not stop firing, as a result he destroyed two machine guns and ensured the advance of our infantry.
18.12.1942. Order of the Great Patriotic War 2nd Class
In the battle for the capture of height 71.0, with the support of the offensive of the 1118 Rifle Regiment. Being on direct fire, he fired at the enemy’s firing points. Finding a camouflaged anti-tank gun, he destroyed it with several shots along with the servants. Skilful conduct of fire scattered and partially destroyed before the introduction of enemy infantry.
152 Artillery Regiment
Died from trauma caused by a shrapnel wound on 03.05.1944.
Buried in Moldova SSR, Бендерский уезд, Каушанский р-н, с. Копанка, могила 12
His death is recorded in the hospital he died in, his mother was informed and the hospital sent his award to her: Suschenko Evdokia M. Street Bazarnaya 8, Днепропетровская обл., Перещепинский р-н, с. Перещепино
The award was sent back to the family from the hospital, with a temporary certificate.
Temporary ID number 461199. The bearer is Senior Sergeant Sushchenko Pyotr Ivanovich, awarded by Order of the Commander of the Artillery of the 6th Army number 032/01 dated December 21, 1943. For exemplary performance of combat missions of the command at the front of the fight against the German invaders. The Order of the “Patriotic War” of the 2nd degree. Order number 52348.
More info on Sgt. Sushchenko can be found here
Next to the standard archival research we found the irretrievable loss report, a document clarifying losses and a document from the hospital. Scans of these can be found in the picture gallery
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