Description
Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #56235
Awarded to Captain Vasily Kirikovich Andryunin (Василий Кирикович Андрюнин)
For participating in defensive battles near Khandoshki and offensive operations in Nevel and Novokhovansk. On December 3, 1943, near the 3rd Shock Army headquarters in Kakenie Leshni, he used an anti-tank rifle to shoot down a German fighter plane, contributing significantly to his unit’s success
Made of solid silver, gold and enamels. The order weighs 24.3 grams without its screwplate and measures 45.07 mm in width and 46.77 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 excellent condition considering it is an early screwback award. Its details are crisp and even the gold plating on the lettering is still visible. The red and white enamels are well preserved without repairs and shows some dings and scratches only. Its screw has not been shortened and the order comes with its original silver screwplate fits perfectly well.
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits:
During his service in the blocking detachment of 3 Shock Army as the Chief of Staff, Captain ANDRYUNIN proved himself as an energetic, determined commander, demanding towards himself and the subordinates. During his service in the detachment, comrade ANDRYUNIN participated together with the detachment in the defensive battles near village Khandoshki (Velikie Luki district) and in the offensive battle for the town Nevel and station Novokhovansk. He proved to be a brave commander in combat setting, which assisted the unit in achieving its combat missions. On 03 December 1943, comrade ANDRYUNIN was present in the vicinity of the headquarters of 3 Shock Army located in the village Kakenie Leshni, when approaching enemy aircrafts were spotted. He personally took an anti-tank rifle and opened fire at a German aircraft flying in the army headquarters sector. With an anti-tank rifle shot, he hit a German fighter plane. I attach to this award recommendation document, declaration of about him taking the shot and hitting the plane, as well as statement recording the place of the enemy aircraft crash.
The full translation of the research can be found below:
More info on Captain Andryunin can be found here
This Order of the Patriotic War was Captain Andryunin’s only numbered award so technically it can be considered a complete grouping
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