Order of the Red Star, #2503280

[Bill Garvy]

Interesting engraver error on this Order of the Red Star, #2503280. If you look closely at the scan of the end of the serial number you can make out the extra "0" that was neatly removed by the engraver. I almost wish he hadn't. . .

[Bill Garvy]

Award Card
Order Booklet B 993448
1. Last name: Shkirko
2. Name and patrionymic: Ivan Feofilovich
3. Rank: Corporal
4. Gender: Male
5. Birthyear: 1905
6. Birthplace: Poltava Oblast, Globino Region, village of Globino
7. Party membership: n/a
8. Education: fourth grade
9. Nationality: Ukrainian
10. Time in Red Army: 7.1941-8.1945
11. Place of service at awarding: Auto Mechanic – 462nd Automotive Battalion, 49th Army
12. Place of work at present: Globino Motor Tractor Station - Driver
13. Home address: Poltava Oblast, Globino Region, Globino
14. Awards:
Designation Serial Number Awarding Organization
Red Star 2.503.280 49th Army dated 21.5.1945
Verified by Globino Regional Military Commissariat Captain Pavoshnik on 15th February, 1947.

[Bill Garvy]

Award Sheet

1. Last name, name, and patrionymic: Shkirko, Ivan Feofilovich
2. Rank: Corporal
3. Duty position: Vehicle Mechanic – 462nd Independent Order of the Red Banner Automotive Battalion
Recommendation for the Order of the Red Star
4. Born: 1905
5. Nationality: Ukrainian
6. Party membership: n/a
7. Previous combat: since 23.7.1941
8. Wounds or shell-shock: n/a
9. In Red Army: since 23.6.194
10. Inducted by: Globino Regional Military Commissariat, Poltava
11. Previous awards: n/a
12. Home of record: [trans: intentionally obscured]
Short description of personal combat feat or accomplishment
Comrade Shkirko arrived to the 462nd Independent Order of the Red Star Automotive Battalion on 23.6.41 as a driver.
While in the battalion he has proven himself an excellent master driver and repairman. At the present he works in the automotive repair section. He has managed to provide excellent technical service to his vehicles’ section. After vehicles’ return from a mission, he always personally checks each vehicle, capably organizing the repair of all technical imperfections. As a master of the highest qualification and indefatigable at work he systematically participates in the upkeep of each vehicle. Due to his capable organization and strong work in his section the technical condition of the vehicles is excellent.
Vehicle mechanic Comrade Shkirko systematically accompanies his vehicles and excellently provides them restarting as needed, as well as services while in the motor pool.
He especially excelled himself in the winter offensive, working both night and day and fully providing his section’s vehicles uninterrupted maintenance.
Comrade Shkirko is both disciplined and industrious, has not received a reprimand for his entire service during the war, and especially for his actions during the winter and spring offensives he is deserving of the Order of the Red Star.
Signed Commander, 462nd Independent Order of the Red Star Automotive Battalion, Major Zagorodnii Guards Danube Rifle Regiment, Guards Lieutenant Colonel Pichugov on 24th January, 1945.
Endorsed by Chief of the 49th Army Automotive Section, Lieutenant Colonel (?) on 12th May, 1945.
Awarded the Order of the Red Star by 49 Army Order 080/N dated 21st May, 1945 and verified by 49th Army Rear Area HQ Personnel Section Chief Lieutenant Colonel Syrov.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Bill, I like it too.

I also like this citation.

Cheers, Ade.