Silver gilt, enamels; measures 44.0 mm in height incl. eyelet, 36.3 mm in width; weighs 24.4 g not including the suspension and connecting link. Produced in 1952 at the Moscow Mint, this version features a relatively small plow and a torch with four flames, including three in the lower row and one, much larger and with a sharp point, at the top. The reverse is relatively smooth with a shallow rounded depression in the center. The mint mark is in two straight lines.

In outstanding, excellent condition. The enamel is literally flawless, completely free of any wear that could

Silver gilt, enamels; measures 44.0 mm in height incl. eyelet, 36.3 mm in width; weighs 24.4 g not including the suspension and connecting link. Produced in 1952 at the Moscow Mint, this version features a relatively small plow and a torch with four flames, including three in the lower row and one, much larger and with a sharp point, at the top. The reverse is relatively smooth with a shallow rounded depression in the center. The mint mark is in two straight lines.

In outstanding, excellent condition. The enamel is literally flawless, completely free of any wear that could be found even under a 10x magnification. The gilt finish is beautifully preserved and bright. There is a nice even toning to silver on the reverse.

Comes on an original early post-war suspension, a two-layer model in steel with an integral catch of the pin. The ribbon is new. The connecting link appears to be original; its ends are joined with solder in a characteristically seamless manner of the Soviet mint.

Born in 1902 in a village of the Ryazan province of the Russian Empire, Fyodor Katasonov enlisted in the Soviet Armed Forces in 1924, immediately after the Russian Civil War. A cadre naval officer, he took part in the Patriotic War from starting from August 1941 as the chief of artillery ammunition dumps of the White Sea Flotilla, a part of the Soviet North Fleet based out of Arkhangelsk and chiefly responsible for the protection of the allied northern convoys. In the first year of the war, Katasonov appropriated the timber barge Vsekoles for that purpose, doubling the ammo storage capacity in his care. Throughout the war, he tirelessly and proficiently managed delivery of ammunition to the most remote units of the flotilla as well as the other ships and naval artillery units of the North and Baltic Fleet. When the port of Arkhangelsk came under air attacks, he showed courage and resoluteness in organizing the air defense of the ammunition dumps. Despite his poor health, he constantly demonstrated utmost diligence in his duties through the end of the war.

In recognition of his tireless service, Katasonov, then a captain 3rd cl., was awarded with the Order of the Red Star on 7 May 1945, the day Nazi Germany surrendered to the allies. He also received a number of decorations for length of service: Order of the Red Star in Nov. 1944; Order of the Red Banner in April 1945; Order of Lenin in Nov. 1950; and Order of the Red Banner, 2nd award (#25778) in Oct. 1955. He remained on active duty at least through November 1955, at which point he had the rank of Captain 2nd cl. (equivalent to US Navy Commander) and was a senior scientist of the Military Unit #27210.

Research Materials: photocopy of the award record card and award commendations for the 1945 Order of the Red Banner and Order of the Red Star.
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