Description
Researched Soviet Order of the Red Banner #44755
Awarded to Senior Sergeant Grigory Petrovich Mezenok (Григорий Петрович Мезенок)
‘We will die here, but we will not take a step back from this village’
Awarded for exceptional bravery
This order of the Red Banner made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 40.69 mm in height and 36.05 mm in width. It weighs 25.3 gram. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
The order is in excellent, well above average condition with the details crisp and most gold plating present. Even the higher laying parts such as the center wreath and the torch still show their details. The red enamel is in far better condition than most early Red Banners. It only shows some loss on two rays of the center red star and a small chip on the bottom banner. The white enamel is flawless. The order shows no repairs and the screwpost is full length. It comes with its time period silver screwplate and the order shows a very appealing patina on both sides.
Great research, in excellent condition. Scarce as such!
Short Description of his feat of arms:
“During a fascist attack on the town of Chervony-Sodchivka (Bliznetsy District, Kharkov Province), Senior Sergeant Grigory Petrovich Mezenok displayed exceptional bravery, heroism, and courage. Continuing to maintain communications at the most critical moments of battle, comrade Mezenok fired his rifle at the fascist soldiers, who were pressing on toward the town. During this engagement comrade Mezenok killed as many as 10 fascists. At the very height of battle comrade Mezenok inspired the other signal troops through personal example, declaring, ‘We will die here, but we will not take a step back from this village.’ Comrade Mezenok kept his word and appealing to his unit’s troops – ‘For the motherland, for Stalin!’ – he launched a counterattack. The fascists, unable to withstand the onslaught, faltered, and fled the town in disorder.
During the fighting for the town of Maryanka comrade Mezenok was one of the last to leave, risking his life but saving the signals equipment, and with his rifle he killed 4 fascist soldiers.
For the bravery, valor, and fearlessness he exhibited in combat with the fascists, Senior Sergeant Grigory Petrovich Mezenok deserves an award. Regimental command petitions Division command that comrade Senior Sergeant Grigory Petrovich Mezenok be nominated for the Order of the Red Banner.”
Below the full translation:
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