Description
Order of the Red Star #82714
Awarded to gunner-bombardier Jr. Lieutenant Vasilij Konstantinovich Vilchevsky (Василий Константинович Вильчевский)
For flying 176 combat sorties (including 49 at Stalingrad), delivering 28,700 kg of bombs, suppressing 18 enemy artillery positions and 6 AA sites, achieving 10 direct hits, and consistently executing precise attacks despite intense anti-aircraft fire
Made of silver and enamels. The order measures 47.98 mm in width, 46.80 mm in height and weighs 28.2 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 early variation has a round base ‘heel’ of the screw.
In above average condition considering it is a relatively early Red Star. Most details are visible and the raised areas show medium wear. The enamels are problem free and without repairs with some dings and scratches only. The reverse is in nice condition too with relatively few dings and scratches. There have been no repairs and the screwpost is full length. It comes with its time period silver screwplate and both sides show a medium patina to the silver.
An early award with great research. Scarce as such!
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:
He is disciplined, brave, and energetic. He is initiative and selfless, while executing his combat missions. Serving in active field army units, he excellently executed his combat bombing missions against the enemy troops, equipment, and structures. He has made 176 combat sorties, 7 special mission sorties with landing behind enemy line, 35 liaison flights in direct proximity to the front line, 10 transport flights (passengers and cargo). He dropped 28700kg of bombs over the enemy and fired 11400 rounds. He dispersed 94000 leaflets over the enemy positions and over our civilians on occupied territory.
He was bestowed with medal “For Bravery” for 40 combat sorties and 6 special missions conducted on the Western front.
He is one of the best gunner-bombardier, who executes differs kinds of missions during high or in adverse weather conditions. The reports of other aviation crews and the reports from the reconnaissance on the ground establish, that he suppressed 18 enemy artillery and fire positions, 10 direct hits at enemy positions, suppressed 6 enemy AA artillery or search light positions.
While executing his combat sorties, he many times was caught by search lights and subjected to intensive AA fire. But despite that, he always laid and kept his strike runs precisely and hit targets.
On the Stalingrad and Don fronts, he conducted 49 combat sorties. His accumulated combat experience, enables his to perform his missions very efficiently. He widely utilises his machine-gun fire against enemy ground positions on the front line, after having descended to 300-400m altitude.
For excellent execution of combat missions, he was promoted to the position of the chief liaison pilot of his aviation squadron. He greatly assists his comrades in planning their missions and laying out target course. He has never had instances of loosing orientation in the air. He deserves state award order “RED BANNER”.
The full translation of the citation can read below:
More information on Lt. Vilchevsky can be found here
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