Description
Order of the Red Banner #264420
Awarded to Junior Sergeant Zakhar Evtikhovich Zhadan (Захар Евтихович Жадан)
For heroically storming positions in East-Prussia, single-handedly obliterating enemy machine-gun crews with grenades and leading his squad in intense close-quarters battles killing several Germans
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.14 mm in height, 37.25 mm in width and it weighs 26.0 grams without its suspension. The serial number and curved mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
In nice, about average condition with light to medium wear to the raised parts like the center wreath. Most details are still visible and both sides show several small dings and scratches. The red and white enamels are generally well preserved and without repairs but show some flaking and several small chips. Its connection ring has not been cut and the order comes with its time period double layer steel suspension.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
On March 18, 1945, junior sergeant Zhadan Zakhar Evtikhovich, in the battle for a height of 45.8, which is southeast of the city of Braunsberg 4.5 km (East Prussia) (today: “Braniewo”, Poland), under heavy artillery and mortar fire, broke into the enemy’s position at the head of his squad, personally destroying a machine-gun position with its crew with a grenade, as well as five enemy submachine gunners and entrenching on the height cleared of the enemy.
On March 20, 1945, in the battle for the village of Hammersdorf, which is 2.5 kilometers northeast of the city of Braunsberg / East Prussia / (today: “Mloteczno”, Poland), at first with his squad broke into the settlement where, with a grenade throw, he destroyed two machine-gun positions with their crews and the forces of the squad exterminated nine German soldiers.
I apply for a government award – the order of the Red Banner.
More info on Sgt. Zhadan can be found here
Since this Order of the Red Banner was Sgt. Zhadan’s only numbered award, it can technically be considered a complete grouping
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