Description

Researched Soviet Order of the Red Banner #16755 ‘Mirror Reverse’

Awarded to private Yuriy Dronievich Likhoshva (Юрий Дроньевич Лихошва)

For being the first to rush the enemy coast in a mission to take control of 5 enemy islands and disarming landmines and high explosive devices while being under intensive enemy fire

This order of the Red Banner made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 41.16 mm in height, 37.05 mm in width and weighs 24.0 gram without its screwplate. The small silver screwplate is 28.12 mm in diameter and weighs 9.5 gram. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.

The order is in a nice, above average condition. The higher laying parts such as the center wreath and the torch show medium wear and a fair amount of details are still visible. The red enamel is mostly present but shows some damage at the 3 o’clock ray of the center star and on the left side of the top banner. The white enamels are problem free. The screwpost has not been shortened and the order comes with its time period and well fitting small silver screwplate.

Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits

From the first days of the Patriotic war, he fully dedicated his life to the cause of defending the Motherland. Comrade LIKHOSHVA participated in strengthening the defensive positions on the “Utinij Nos” sector, constructed anti tank obstacles and traps. During the short period and under enemy fire, the platoon and comrade LIKHOSHVA raised 14 reinforced pill boxes. In all these tasks, comrade LIKHOSHVA exhibited examples of courage and bravery. Working in cold water for about two days, he and a group of soldiers installed the spiral Bruno obstacles. Wet to the bones and freezing, comrade LIKHOSHVA didn’t stop his work for a minute, until after the mission was fulfilled. In July 1941, comrade LIKHOSHVA participated in a landing party for taking control of 5 enemy islands. Under the hail of enemy bullets, shells, and mortar rounds, he was the first to rush the enemy coast, where he disarmed landmines, high explosive devices, and cleared the obstacles. He committed an act of heroism in the operation for capturing the island Storholmen. The landing party fell under intensive enemy fire. The sapper group had to enable the advance by clearing the obstacles, but suffered losses and there were only a few men left. The sappers commander Sgt. RUDENKO was severely wounded. The delay in removing obstacles threatened to destroy the entire landing party. Private first class LIKHOSHVA assumed the command over the sappers. He was the first, in full view of the enemy, to start clearing the landmines. The brothers in arms, being inspired by his feat, followed their new commander. The combat objective was accomplished in time. The island was taken under control.