Order of the Great Patriotic War, 1st class, #165829

[Aleksander P]

Something I recently won at an auction. I'll post some more photos once I have the item at hand.

[Aleksander P]

The research came in recently. Thanks to Igor for all the work! The recipient was originally going to be awarded with an Order of the Red Banner but it was later changed to OPW 1st class. Awarded October 20, 1944.

Comrade SICHENKO arrived to the 86 rifle regiment on 25 January 1944
and was assigned to the role of a rifle company commander. In this role, comrade
SICHENKO proved himself as a strong willed, persistent, and reliable commander.
In the regiments combat operation on the 2 Ukrainian front, SICHENKO exhibited
courage and bravery. In the enemy defence breakthrough operation on
20.08.1944, comrade SICHENKO exhibited exceptional courage and commanders
wit, which is intrinsic to a Red Army officer. The company lead by comrade
SICHNEKO, encountered a strong fire resistance from the enemy. Then comrade
SICHENKO skilfully deployed his and attached units on the ground. Cunningly
manoeuvring his troops, he unleashed all might of his firepower at the enemy. In
a decisive assault he overpowered the enemy taking their first trench line. Then
immediately after that, he launched the a new assault and closely pursuing the
retreating enemy rushed in and took over the village La Rus’, which was one the
main enemy strong points covering the main road to the town Iași. In this bitter
engagement, SICHENKO’s company eliminated up to 29 enemy troops, and 14
took prisoner, captured 4 machine-guns, 13 rifles, 2 cannons, 1 mortar.
For skilful command in the battle, for exhibited personnel gallantry,
comrade SICHENKO is worthy of “RED BANNER”.

[Aleksander P]

The village of La Rus' in Romania which Sichenko captured with his company.