Description
Order of the Red Banner #227832
Awarded to Captain Pyotr Nikolaevich Didkovsky (Пётр Николаевич Дидковский)
For exceptional bravery in the Danube crossing at Budapest, where under heavy fire he led his company to seize enemy trenches, held a position for 37(!) hours, repelled 17 counterattacks, directed fire that destroyed over 300 enemy troops along with numerous weapons, and secured a vital bridgehead enabling the advance of Soviet forces
Recommended for the title ‘Hero of the Soviet Union’!
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.93 mm in height, 37.34 mm in width and it weighs 26.5 grams without its suspension. The serial number and mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
In excellent, well above average condition with light wear on the raised details such as the central wreath and torch. The red and white enamels remain exceptionally well preserved, free of repairs, flaking, or scratches. Both sides display medium silver toning, while much of the original gold plating on the reverse is still present. The suspension ring is uncut, and the order comes with its time period double layer suspension and old ribbon.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
Comrade DIDKOVSKY, during preparations for the crossing of the Danube River, conducted thorough preparation with his company, properly organizing the party and Komsomol members, and raising the entire unit for a strong offensive spirit.
On the night of 4–5 November 1944, in the area of the village of Sasolombata (Budapest district), during the crossing of the Danube River under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, Comrade DIDKOVSKY with his company reached enemy trenches, seized a favorable firing position, opened massive fire, and repelled 17 enemy counterattacks over 37 hours of battle. Directing fire, Comrade DIDKOVSKY ensured the destruction of more than 300 enemy soldiers and officers, 18 machine guns, 6 mortars, and one 105-mm gun.
This provided further advance for other units, facilitated the capture of bridgeheads, and allowed rifle companies to secure positions on the right bank of the Danube.
Deserves the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Commander of the 1077th Rifle Krasnoznamenny Regiment
Guards Major Orekhov
5 December 1944
The full translation of the citation can be read here
More info on Captain Didkovsky can be found here
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