Description

Researched Soviet Order of the Red Banner #239605

Awarded to Colonel Roman Aleksandrovich Chayko (Роман Александрович Чайко)

For exceptional merits in air defence and great command

Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 45.55 mm in height, 37.31 mm in width and it weighs 26.1 gram. The serial number and curved mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.

This Order of the Red Banner is in excellent condition. The details are crisp and the enamel is problem free apart from some minor superficial flaking around some of the edges. Much of the gold plating is still present and the connection ring has not been cut.

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

“In the period of the Red Army offensive in the East Prussia, Pomerania and during forced crossing of the Oder river, he skilfully commanded his troops making use of great experience gained in the prior operations: energetic and timely manoeuvre by the air defence units, properly organised air defence cover of many points.

On the sites of all without exceptions captured enemy airfields, the air defence troops were deployed in combat formation and ready for action prior to the arrival of our aircrafts.

The air observation and alarm service was being deployed quickly after each relocation and functioned properly, delivering air attack warnings in good time. This assisted the anti-aircraft gunners in their tasks and combat readiness: 5 aircrafts were downed and 12 damaged.

In the battle for town Graudenz, he arranged his AA guns to engage ground targets. His personnel also took part in sweeping the forest of Eastern Pomerania: 80 enemy troops killed and 120 taken prisoner.

In difficult circumstances of the offensive and in short time, 111 decoy airstrips were laid out, which attracted 7 enemy air strikes, with only 1 airstrike at an active airfield. The absence of enemy air strikes at our airfields was the result of good organisation of camouflage efforts at all the sites. All the tasks were performed in concealment.

He systematically ventured to the units locations and assisted the air defence units in practical matters of guarding service, which aided to the constant combat readiness of his units for eventual ground attack.

CONCLUSION: For exceptional merits in the area of air defence of the airfields employed by the 4 airforce, colonel CHAYKO Roman Aleksandrovich deserves a state award – order “PATRIOTIC WAR I CLASS””