Description
Screwback Order of the Red Banner #4409
Awarded to Major Mikhail Gavrilovich Khoroshikh (Михаил Гаврилович Хороших)
For completing 22 combat missions, totaling over 58 hours, targeting key enemy industrial centers and troop concentrations, resulting in significant destruction. As the result of his combat missions, the industrial centre Mikkeli [Finland] was 50% destroyed, despite intensive enemy AA fire and fighter plane attacks
Recommended for the Order of Lenin
‘Mirror Reverse’ variation with a strong counter relief. Made of silver and enamels. It measures 39.71 mm in height, 36.06 mm in width and weighs 22.1 grams without its screwplate. The serial number and mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
In a nice, above average condition with beautiful patina to the silver. The details are mostly visible the raised areas like the center wreath and the torch show medium wear. The white enamel is fully present without repairs and the red enamels show some small chipping on the bottom of the top banner and one arm of the red star. Its reverse shows few traces of wear and its screw has been shortened by a few millimeters for more comfortable wear. The order comes with its well fitted and original screwplate.
Scarce piece with excellent research results and great eye appeal
Short excerpt of his accomplishments:
Comrade KHOROSHIKH is devoted to the cause of the Lenin-Stalin party, morally and ideologically reliable, disciplined. He participated in liberation of towns of the Western Belorussia and Western Ukraine, as well as here, in liberation of the Finnish people. He has made 22 combat missions with total flying time of 58 hours 4 minutes. He flew missions at altitudes 600-400m agains the enemy industrial centres: Mikkeli, Imatra, Viipuri, Lappeenranta, railway junction Kouvola, stations Antrna, Simala, and against enemy troop concentrations. As the result of his combat missions, the industrial centre Mikkeli was 50% destroyed, despite intensive enemy AA fire and fighter plane attacks. The regiment accomplished this combat mission. The second raid was against Imatra, where a chemical plant and an electricity power plant were destroyed. The third raid was against Lappeenranta, where bombardment resulted in direct hits at a number of targets, including a production plant and military barracks housing enemy troops. KHOROSHIKH developed efficient mission plans allowing combat missions with precise strikes, without losses, and in any weather conditions. He is well educated in tactics and technical matters officer. He takes active part in political work among the troops, despite the fact, that he lately was very busy performing combat missions (2 missions a day with 6 hours of flying time). For excellent execution of the combat missions and exhibited heroism, he deserves state award order “LENIN”.
More info on Major Khoroshikh can be found here
Also included in the picture gallery:
- a picture of Khoroshikh with the 25 Guards bomber aviation regiment. Reception of the Guards Banner ceremony. Stalingrad, 1943
- info sheets on a book mentioning Khoroshikh
- newspaper the ‘Red Star’ mentioning major Khoroshikh
- a picture of the raid of Mikkeli on 05 January 1940
- citation of his Order of the Patriotic War 2nd class #941 (!) for accomplishments at Stalingrad
- document stating he was awarded the Medal for the Defense of Stalingrad
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