Description
Soviet Order of the Red Star #164994
Awarded to Pilot Lt. Illarion Ivanovich Onishchenko (Онищенко Илларион Иванович)
For effectively conducting over 250 flight missions and delivering valuable intelligence while being under enemy fire and in bad weather conditions
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 48.02 mm in width, 46.38 mm in height and weighs 29.3 gram without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark on the 12 o’clock position of its reverse. This early variation has a round base ‘heel’ of the screw.
This original order of the Red Star is in an excellent, well above average condition. Most details are visible and even the higher laying parts show light wear only. The enamels are beautiful and without repairs with some small contact marks and only. The reverse is in excellent condition too and shows a light patina. The screwpost is full length and the order comes with its time period silver screwplate.
An early award in excellent condition to a pilot. Scarce as such!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
“Comrade ONISCHENKO has been on the front of struggle against the German Fascism since the first days of the Patriotic war. He has conducted over 250 operative and combat missions with signalling objective. He always executes his missions very effectively.
On 10.02.1943, the Commander of 37 army dispatched him to deliver /the package with combat orders/ to the HQ of the divisions, which were on the move, as well as to reconnoitre the enemy positions. During the reconnaissance, his aircraft was subjected to the enemy machine-gun fire. Despite that, he still managed to deliver valuable intelligence on the enemy and locate the divisional HQs.
On 18.03.1943, he received the order to reconnoitre the enemy positions in the new sector and to locate our troops crossing site over the river Kuban. He completed his mission excellently despite adverse meteorological conditions.
On 10.04.1943, following the order of 9 Army Commander, he delivered the combat orders package to the divisional HQ. Bad weather was complicating the flight, but the combat orders package was delivered in time.
Comrade ONISCHENKO deserves state award – order “RED STAR”.”
The full translation of the research can be found below:
More information on Lt. Onishchenko can be found here
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