Description
Researched Soviet Order of the Red Banner #16410 ‘Mirror Reverse’
Awarded to private Ivan Danilovich Filkin (Иван Данилович Филькин)
For eliminating over 35 enemy troops and taking 2 prisoners. Filkin was recommended for the title “Hero of Soviet Union” which was downgraded to an Order of Lenin and finally a Red Banner
This order of the Red Banner made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 39.54 mm in height, 36.14 mm in width and weighs 24.6 gram. The small silver screwplate is 28.11 mm in diameter and weighs 9.2 gram. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
The order is in a nice worn condition. The higher laying parts such as the center wreath and the torch show heavy wear but a fair amount of details are still visible. The red enamel is mostly present but shows some old repairs at the center star and on the bottom of the top banner. The white enamels are problem free. The screwpost has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period and well fitting small silver screwplate.
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits
“Comrade FILKIN I.D. has been serving as a ranger from the first days of the Patriotic war. Many times risking his life, he brought back a captured prisoner informant at the end of the mission.
In the engagement near the settlement Baturino /Smolensk region/ in August 1941 he was part of the separate motorised rifle reconnaissance company of 242 rifle division. In that mission, he found himself alone on top of a German dugout. Using the hand-grenades to attack the dugout, he eliminated over 30 enemy troops and brought back 2 prisoners.
On 18 February 1942, he lead into the action a detachment of hunterrangers and captured a German pillbox with 2 machine-guns.
In a bloody hand to hand scramble, his detachment eliminated 7 Fascist and 1 took prisoner without a single own loss. This success is attributed to FILKIN’s ability to quickly assess the combat situation, skilful planning, sharp organisation of advance to the pillbox and, especially, the culminating engagement in the pillbox.
It the height of the scramble in the pillbox, FILKIN, who was monitoring the perimeter around the pillbox, found his comrades in a difficult situation. The Fascists knocked them off their feet and choked them by the throat. Without hesitation, FILKIN rushed into the pillbox and fired his submachine-gun killing 5 Fascists.
As the result, the FILKIN’s detachment took control over the pillbox. They captured a prisoner, 2 machine-guns, a submachine-gun, 5 rifles, a revolver, 2 binoculars, over 1000 cartridges, and other equipment.
After having captured the pillbox, FILKIN managed to bring safely back his men and the captive across the open no man’s land. At present, he continues his active service.
The red army soldier FILKIN is recommended for the title “Hero of Soviet Union””
The translation of the citation van be found here
More info on private Filkin can be found here
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