Description
Soviet Order of the Red Banner #208171
Awarded to Lieutenant Ivan Ivanovich Shaenko (Иван Иванович Шаенко)
For personally annihilating 24 soldiers with his submachine gun, leading his men into the German trenches and outmanoeuvring the enemy
Shaenko was recommended for the title ‘Hero of the Soviet Union’
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.65 mm in height, 37.44 mm in width and it weighs 26.0 gram without its suspension. The serial number and curved mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
This Order of the Red Banner is in a nice but worn condition without repairs. The details on the higher laying parts like the centre wreath show medium wear and there are several small contact marks and dings on both sides. The red enamel is mostly present but shows some flaking and a larger chip on the left side of the top banner. The white enamel is problem free and its connection ring has not been cut. The order comes with its time period double layer steel suspension.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“On 13.01.1945, in the battles for the village of Podlese, where the enemy had superior forces, he managed to get around the enemy to their rear under strong artillery and mortar fire and created a panic, so that they left their mortars and 40 soldiers and officers on the battlefield. Comrade Shayenko personally annihilated 9 soldiers with his submachine gun.
On 14.01.1945, in the battle for the bridge of Hentsitsa, the platoon of comrade Shaenko at first broke into the outskirts of the city and started the street fightings. Prior to the approach of our main forces, the main line was kept, and in the street battle, 30 German soldiers were annihilated by his platoon.
On 16.01.1945 in the battle for the village of Wojciechów, where the enemy held strongly fortified defenses, under the cover of darkness, comrade Shaenku was tasked to make the way for the main forces. After making passages, he broke into the enemy’s trenches with a bypass maneuver, throwing grenades, where 28 soldiers and officers were annihilated.
When crossing the Oder River and keeping the bridgehead on the coast, Comrade Shaenko also showed steadfastness and skill.
On 30.01.1945, in the area of Herzogsvaldava, the enemy went on the offensive; the platoon of comrade Shaenko was on the right flank and repulsed four attacks, leaving 75 dead enemy soldiers and officers behind on the battlefield. Comrade Shaenko annihilated 15 Germans with his submachine gun.
For the bravery shown in the battles for the homeland, the crossing of the Oder River and the retention of the bridgehead on the west bank of the Oder river, he is worthy of being awarded the title of “Hero of the Soviet Union“”
More info on Lt. Shaenko can be found here
In the picture gallery a digital image can be found of Lt. Shaenko
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