Description
Order of the Red Banner #63323
Awarded to Lieutenant Grigory Romanovich Marchenko (Григорий Романович Марченко)
During 18-19 July 1943, near Belaya Gora, Voroshilovgrad region, Marchenko took command of a rifle battalion after the commander was incapacitated. Leading a group of 12 men, he repelled eight (!) counter-attacks from an overwhelmingly superior enemy force. Despite being wounded in both arms, he continued to lead and fought in hand-to-hand combat using bayonets, rifle butts, and hand grenades
This Red Banner was Lt. Marchenko’s only numbered award so it can be considered to be a complete grouping
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 40.01 mm in height, 36.68 mm in width and weighs 24.1 grams without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
The order is in above average condition for a screwback Red Banner. Most details are crisp and the raised parts such as the torch and center wreath show light to medium wear only and much of the original gold plating is still present. The red enamels are mostly present without repairs and only shows a chip at the bottom of the top banner only and the white enamels are essentially flawless. The order has never been converted to a suspension type and its screw has not been shortened. It comes with its time period and well fitted silver screw plate.
Scarce piece to a true hero
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits:
During 18-19 July 1943, in the battle for the hill 127.8 near the village Belaya Gora (Lisichansk district, Voroshilovgrad region), rifle battalion commander was taken out of action and MARCHENKO replaced him and assumed the command over the remnants of the battalion force. He bravely and energetically led the troops, i.e. a group of 12 men, and repelled 8 ferocious counter-attacks by overwhelmingly superior enemy force. Being himself twice wounded in the left and the right arm, he continued his leadership and repelled the last enemy attack in hand to hand fight, fighting with bayonets, rifle butts, and hand grenades. Only after that, being exhausted from the blood loss, he was evacuated under the cover of night across the river to our bank to the regiment headquarters.
The full translation of the research can be read below
More information on Lt. Marchenko can be found here
Also present in the picture gallery is the combat diary of the 279th Rifle Division of July 1943 and an info sheet
Please contact us with questions
