Description

Soviet Order of the Patriotic War 1st class #220454

Awarded to tank commander and Junior Lieutenant Ivan Mikhailovich Shkurin (Иван Михайлович Шкурин)

Shkurin was credited with 3 antitank guns, 4 artillery tractors, 3 machine-gun positions, up to 10 trucks carrying military equipment, and as many as 28 German antitank troops.

Made of solid gold, silver and enamels. Measures 45.25 mm in height and 43.57 mm in width. It weighs 32.0 gram. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark Monetni Dvor is located at the 12 o’clock position of its reverse. This is ‘Mercedes’ variation with the spokes on its reverse located at the 12, 5 and 7 o’clock position.

This original order of the Patriotic War 1st class is in near perfect condition. The details are crisp and both the white and red enamels problem free. Not even the higher laying parts like the hammer and sickle show any wear. Its reverse is in excellent condition as well and both sides show an attractive dark patine. Its screwpate is time period to the order and the screw maintained its full length.

Excellent example with interesting research!

Brief description of his feat of arms or achievements:

“During the fighting with the German invaders near the city of Obersdorf (i.e. Müncheberg close to Berlin) on April 18, 1945, comrade Shkurin and his tank were the first to break through the heavily fortified German defenses, sowing panic among the German ranks. Through his audacious and decisive actions, the tank crew was able to destroy the following using the tank’s guns and tracks: 3 antitank guns, 4 artillery tractors, 3 machine-gun positions, up to 10 trucks carrying military equipment, and as many as 28 German antitank troops.

During this engagement comrade Shkurin was severely wounded.

For his audacious and decisive actions on the battlefield he deserves the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class.”

The full translation of the research:

Translation_Shkurin