Description

Soviet Order of the Red Banner Duplicate #42268

Awarded to private/scout Nikolay Ivanovich Sheludko (Николай Иванович Шелудько)

For attacking 16 tanks and large number of vehicles loaded with ammunitions with hand grenades. 4 vehicles detonated and the tanks retreated in panic thinking they were surrounded by the Soviet forces

Later, Sheludko was sent on a mission to capture an enemy prisoner-informant at any cost. He succeeded in doing so and eliminated two Germans while sneaking behind enemy lines

Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 44.89 mm in height, 36.52 mm in width and weighs 25.6 gram without its suspension. The serial number and mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse. This duplicate has the typical small font stamped serial number accompanied by the often seen Cyrillic ‘D’ (Д). These can be found on the bottom of its reverse underneath its mintmark ‘Monjetnij Dvor’.

In a near perfect, almost mint condition. The details are perfect and crisp and the stunning enamels are without any damage or repairs. The gold plating is fully present and covered by an appealing layer of patina. The old serial number has been erased and a new number was stamped by the mint. This was done in a very recognizable style. The connection ring has not been cut and the double sided steel suspension and its ribbon are time period to the award.

Duplicates were (rarely) given to awardees who lost their award due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control like combat or natural disasters

This order has it all: a rare ‘Duplicate’ award in near mint condition with excellent research. Very hard to find!

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

“On 18 July 1943, comrade SHELUD’KO and the detachment were sent for a reconnaissance mission to the village Kochatovka, where they encountered enemy armour force of 16 tanks and large number of vehicles loaded with ammunitions. Not wasting any time, comrade SHELUD’KO attacked with his hand grenades. 4 vehicles detonated, the tanks retreated in panic, the other German drivers began demolishing their trucks thinking they were surrounded by Russians.

On 31 July 1943, comrade SHELUD’KO received a mission to capture an enemy prisoner-informant at any cost. Comrade SHELUD’KO with three other soldiers approached undetected the enemy trenches under the cover of darkness. In a decisive assault they ruched the trench where they engaged the enemy in a hand to hand combat. Firing his hand pistol, comrade SHELUD’KO killed an enemy officer and a soldier, and destroyed an enemy heavy machine-gun with a grenade. He brought 2 Fritzes home with him.

Comrade SHELUD’KO deserves state award order “RED BANNER”.”

The full translation of the research can be found here

More info on Private Sheludko can be found here

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