Description

Soviet Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #4079

Awarded to Senior Lieutenant Andrej Petrovich Telezhenko (Андрей Петрович Телиженко)

For courage and his personal involvement in eliminating and damaging 6 tanks while being under heavy artillery fire

Made of solid silver and gold. The medal is 42.85 mm in width, 46.96 mm in height including its eyelet and it weighs 29.8 gram without its suspension. The suspension is 32.19 mm in width at its widest point and 21.71 mm in height. The serial number is located at the 7 o’clock position on its reverse. The connection ring, screwplate, stickpin, hexagon nut and the suspension itself are all original.

This original order of the Patriotic War is in superb, far above average condition with crisp details and light overall wear only. The enamels are beautiful and only show a small chip on the very top of the 12 o’clock ray of the red star, not distracting from the overall appeal of the order. Its reverse is in sublime condition as well with its stickpin bent but firmly attached. Its serial number is clearly visible and its connection ring has not been cut. This order has not been (re)converted and is without repairs.

A rare early variation order by itself with all parts original, but almost impossible to find in this condition

Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or achievements:

He proved himself as a courageous and proactive officer in the offensive engagements against the German invaders during 10-15 October 1943. Comrade TELEZHENKO efficiently set up the field intelligence during the offensive near the khutor Zaporozhets, khutor Tsarevij, the settlement Shevchenko, and the hill 113,1. As the result of this effort, he personally spotted 14 enemy artillery batteries and 50 enemy firing positions, so that the enemy system of fire was uncovered.

On 10 October 1943, the enemy sent 12 tanks and up to battalion of infantry into a counter attack. This inhibited advance of our troops. Following the commander’s over, comrade TELEZHENKO personally participated in rolling to a forward position 2 artillery batteries of 58 anti-tank artillery regiment. From this open sights position, they engaged the enemy armour and fended off the enemy thrust. The enemy lost 3 tanks being fully burned and 3 tanks damaged. Operating under heavy enemy artillery fire during the night on 12 October 1943, comrade TELEZHENKO transported all the anti-tank and regimental artillery pieces to the right bank of Volnyanka river. Comrade TELEZHENKO exhibited exceptional courage and bravery. Therefore, comrade TELEZHENKO deserves state award medal “RED BANNER”.

The full translation of the research can be found below:

– register card

– citation

More information on Sr. Lt. Telezhenko can be found here

Two digital images of Telezhenko can be found in the picture gallery. One of them shows his actual suspension type Order of the Patriotic War

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