Description
Soviet Order of the Red Star #2078951 ‘Duplicate’
Awarded to Senior Sergeant Vasily Nikolaevich Nekhorshij (Василий Николаевич Нехороший)
For participating in the battles for Crimea, Baltic, and East Prussia where he destroyed several (machine) guns, dozens of enemy solders and two tanks with his cannon
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 48.36 mm in width, 46.04 mm in height and weighs 30.0 grams 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 original order of the Red Star is in great condition. The details are all crisp and there are no noticeable scratches or dings to the silver. The enamels are stunning and without repairs or chipping and show some minor contact marks only. Its screw is full length and the order comes with its time period and well fitted screwplate.
Duplicates were (rarely) given to awardees who lost their award due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control like combat or natural disasters. These awards are much more scarce than the ‘regular’ awards.
Short excerpt and translation of the research:
“The gunner of the 5th artillery battery Sr.Sgt. NEKHOROSHIJ has been serving in the regiment since 1943. He proved himself as a brave, steadfast, and initiative fighter during the combat engagements against the German invaders. He participated in the battles for the territories of Crimea, Baltic, and East Prussia. In these battles, he participated in seizing the towns Sevastopol, Ragnit, Tilzit, Libau, Koenigsberg. During the enemy defence breakthrough operation on the approaches to Sevastopol, NEKHOROSHIJ’s cannon was on an open sights position and destroyed: 2 heavy machine-guns, 4 light machine-guns, 1 cannon, 1 mortar battery, up to a platoon of enemy troops. In the combat engagement near town Šiauliai, NEKHOROSHIJ’s cannon repelled 6 enemy counter-attacks in one day, destroyed 2 tanks, 1 self-propelled gun, and up to 2 platoons of enemy troops. During the battle for Koenigsberg, following closely with the assault units, he provided constant direct fire support to the attacking rifle troops. In Koenigsberg, they destroyed 1 cannon, 3 machine-guns, and up to a platoon of enemy troops.
For courage and steadfastness on a battlefield, he deserves state award order “RED STAR”.”
The full translation of the research can be found below:
Interesting to see is that the award was withdrawn by decree of 25.09.1950 and reinstated by decree of 18.12.1970
More information on Sgt. Nekhorshij can be find here
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