Order of the Red Banner #100949

Awarded to Lieutenant Andrey Maksimovich Kalashnik (Андрей Моисеевич Калашник) For exceptional heroism in the defense of the Parichi–Chirkovichi highway, where in a spectacular manner he personally destroyed two Ferdinand tanks under heavy fire, killed up to 40 enemy soldiers, led his company into hand-to-hand combat, and turned the tide of battle by forcing the enemy to retreat in panic. For this feat he was recommended for the title Hero of the Soviet Union https://sovietorders.com/product/docu...
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 45.81 mm in height, 37.32 mm in width and weighs 27.9 grams without its screwplate. Its serial number and mint mark are found on the bottom of its reverse. In outstanding condition, far above average, particularly for such an early suspension type award. The details remain sharp even on the raised areas, and much of the original gold plating is intact, though partially covered by patina. The enamels are exceptionally well preserved, with no repairs or chipping, and only show minor contact marks. The connection ring is uncut, and the order comes with its double-layer steel suspension and old ribbon. Citation: Comrade KALACHNIK, in the struggle against the fascist invaders, displayed valor and courage. On the night of the 27/02/1944 in the North-East of Vezhki in the Parichsky district of Poleskaya, a group of anti-tank rifleman took control of the very important highway of PARICHI-CHIRKOVICHI after a fight with the Germans. On the night of February 27, 1944 up to 100 Germans soldiers rushed twice to counterattack. Thanks to the bravery of comrade Kalashinik the counterattacks were successfully repelled. He personally killed 20 Germans. On 27/02/1944 up to 200 Germans backed by two tanks and 5 Ferdinands launched a counterattack which, for a period of one hour, was bravely repelled by the anti-tank rifleman company. Kalachnik attacked Ferdinands with Grenades and a heavy encounter started. Acting bravely under the machine gun fire, he threw 2 anti-tank grenades under the track of the Ferdinand and knocked it out. The crew of the second Ferdinand tried to smash the brave men driving straight onto him. Having a grenade in reserve, comrade Kalashnik, under heavy fire, crawled close to the second Ferdinand and knocked it out. He stood up shouting “FOR MOTHERLAND, FOR STALIN” he carried the company into hand-to-hand combat, in the course of which he destroyed up to 10 Germans. Seeing desperate resistance and incurring heavy losses (2 Ferdinands and up to 80 soldiers), The remaining Germans fled in panic. Thanks to the personal courage and bravery of Kalashnik, the important highway of “PARICHI-CHIRKOVICHI” was held in control by our people. The company firmly stood ground. In this unequal battle, comrade Kalashnik personally destroyed two “Ferdinands” and up to 40 German soldiers. Comrade Kalashnik, for displaying heroism and bravery deserves the highest governmental award: “THE HERO OF THE SOVIET UNION”.