Description

Researched Soviet Order of the Red Banner #51679

Awarded to SPG commander and Sr. Lieutenant Vasilij Petrovich Levchenko (Василий Петрович Левченко)

For destroying 7 tanks, 3 SPGs, 3 fuel trucks, 2 anti-tank guns, and up to a company of enemy troops with his battery at the Battle of KURSK

This order of the Red Banner made of solid silver and enamels. It measures 41.67 mm in height, 36.79 mm in width and weighs 23.7 gram without its screwplate. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.

The order is in an excellent, well above average condition with light overall wear to the silver. Even the higher laying parts such as the center wreath and the torch still show their details perfectly well. The enamels are in much better condition than most early Red Banners. The red enamels show some minor flaking and a small repair on the 3 o’clock ray of the center star and on the bottom of the top banner but are otherwise problem free. The white enamel is flawless. The order has not been converted to a suspension type and the screwpost is full length. It comes with its time period and well fitted silver screwplate.

Short Description of his feat of arms:

“Comrade LEVCHENKO V.P. participated in the combat engagements against the German-Fascist invaders in the sector of the villages Olkhovatka and Snova, Zolotukhino district, during 05-17 July 1943. Despite ferocious enemy infantry and armour attacks, despite intensive enemy aerial bombardment, comrade LEVCHENKO’s battery steadfastly repelled enemy attacks and held it ground. In this combat engagements, the battery inflicted the following damage: 7 tanks, 3 SPGs, 3 fuel trucks, 2 anti-tank guns, and up to a company of enemy troops.

Comrade LEVCHENKO’s battery not only defended against the enemy attacks, but also supported advance of our rifle units and tanks. LEVCHENKO’s SPG was hit and damaged by enemy fire. Utilising skilful manoeuvring and taking advantage of the terrain, he still managed to repel the enemy armour attack and take safely his SPG out of the battlefield.

For skilful command during the combat and for personal courage and bravery, comrade LEVCHENKO deserves state order “RED BANNER”.”

The full translation of the citation can be read below

– register

– citation

More information on Lt. Levchenko can be found here

Also included in the picture gallery are relevant battle maps/diagrams of Kursk area and a picture of Lt. Levchenko

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