Description
Soviet Order of the Red Banner #170709
Awarded to Paratrooper Scout Vasily Evstafievich Shevchuk (Василий Евстафьевич Шевчук)
For successfully crossing the Gron River at night, taking over the German headquarters, capturing documents and returning back. A week later he went on a mission to locate a partisan detachment leading the partisans to the Hron River, where he secured the river crossing destroying six Nazis and captured two of them
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 46.21 mm in height, 37.72 mm in width and it weighs 23.1 grams without its suspension. The serial number and mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
In worn but decent condition with its details mostly visible and medium wear to the raised silver parts like the center wreath. The white enamels are problem free apart from some superficial chipping around the hammer and sickle and the red enamels show some damage on two of the rays of the center star and the top banner. Its connection ring has been cut and the double sided steel suspension and ribbon are time period to the award.
A true combat award to a Paratrooper for heroism behind enemy lines Scarce as such
Short excerpt of his accomplishments:
Squad leader 5. separate airborne Guards Intelligence Company
When performing combat missions for reconnaissance in the fight against the Nazi invaders, he showed personal courage, valor and courage. As a senior group on the night of February 4, 1945, he crossed the Gron River with the group with the task of passing in the area of the village of Nemtsy, establishing the location of the German headquarters and capturing documents. Shevchuk with a group scouted the village of Nemtso, established where the officers were located, then, having removed the German patrol, took the house with hand grenades. During the battle, he destroyed a German liaison-motorcyclist. Having seized valuable documents, the group returned to its unit without loss. Being the senior of the reconnaissance group, he completed the responsible task of command in the rear of the enemy. Having crossed the Gron River south of Tekov – Breznitsa on the night of February 11, 1945, despite the fact that it got wet in icy water, he went to the rear of the enemy in the German group. Having scouted the location of the partisan detachment, Shevchuk on the night of February 14, 1945, led one group of partisans to the Gron River, where he secured the crossing, covering the rear from enemy attacks. During the ensuing battle, he destroyed six Nazis, captured two and delivered them to the headquarters of the unit. For courage and courage, for skillful leadership and action with scouts behind enemy lines, we are worthy of the government award of the Order of the Red Banner.
More information on Shevchuk can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery is the citations for his Medal for Bravery (last 2 pictures)
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