Description
Soviet Order of the Red Banner #109744
Awarded to Battalion commander of paratroopers Mikhail Ivanovich Maksimov (Михаил Иванович Максимов)
For huge successes at the Battle of KURSK in reflecting several enemy tank attacks, destroying hundreds of German troops and being severely wounded
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.63 mm in height including its eyelet, 37.21 mm in width and it weighs 26.5 gram without its suspension. The serial number and mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
This early suspension type Order of the Red Banner is in worn condition even though its details are all visible and the higher laying parts show light wear only wear. The original gold plating is still present and partly covered with an appealing patina. The enamel shows damage on the left side of the top banner and on the centre star but is without repairs. Its connection ring has been cut and the double sided steel suspension is time period to the award.
Despite its flaws, it has a real combat appearance and is awarded for the famous Battle of Kursk!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“In the battles for the socialist motherland with the German – fascist invaders, comrade MAXIMOW showed boldness, bravery, fortitude, courage and the ability to control a battalion in combat.
In the July battles in the Orel-Kursk direction, comrade MAXIMOW kept the onslaught of the enemy in the area of the station of PONYRI, the Ponyrevsky farm and during July 6-7, 1943 reflected 8 enemy armoured counterattacks.
In the offensive battles from 15th to 23th July 1943 the battalion of comrade MAXIMOW rapidly captured the village BUZULUK, destroyed 800 enemy soldiers and officers and captured an enemy artillery battery in the battle for height 257.1. Taking height 257.1 provided taking the railway and the station of LITTLE ARKHANGELSK by the regiment`s units. In these battles, comrade MAXIMOW was seriously injured, returned to service in November 1943 and took command of the battalion in the area of GUTA-ZABOLOTSKIKH, south of the city RADOMYSHL, Kiev region.
Covering the highway KIEV-ZHYTOMYR the battalion of comrade MAKSIMOV from 20th to 27th November 1943 reflected 14 counterattacks of large forces of enemy tanks and infantry and kept the defence on the specified boundary. In these battles, comrade MAXIMOW was seriously wounded, but did not leave the battlefield.
In the fighting from the 5th to 15th February 1944 in the area of the village FEDYUKOVKA, Lisinsky district, Kiev region, loyal to the battalion, Comrade MAXIMOW kept the onslaught and reflected 6 tank attacks of the enemy, who sought to break through our defences and to enter the compound surrounded by enemy troops in the town of ZVENIGORODKA, SHPOLA and in 10 days of defensive fighting, the enemy lost 11 tanks and up to 2 battalions of infantry at the location of comrade MAXIMOW`s battalion.
For his courage and bravery in the battles against the German invaders, the skilful management of the battalion in combat with the result that the enemy lost a large number of personnel and equipment, as well as for repeatedly carrying out daring, successful offensive operations, comrade MAXIMOW is proposed for the governmental award – order “Red Banner”.”
More info on Maksimov can be found here
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