Silver, enamels; 46.8 mm tall; 49.0 mm wide; weighs 29.5 g without the screw plate. Features flared edges of the star; the mint mark is approx. 9 mm in width, with a straight dash over the last character "й" in the word "Monetnyi". There is no depression near the bottom on the reverse.

In very fine condition. There is a single shallow chip to the tip of the upper arm, not penetrating to silver and therefore not too conspicuous. The enamel also has a few tiny contact marks and minor scratches elsewhere that are barely noticeable to the naked eye, but still retains a

Silver, enamels; 46.8 mm tall; 49.0 mm wide; weighs 29.5 g without the screw plate. Features flared edges of the star; the mint mark is approx. 9 mm in width, with a straight dash over the last character "й" in the word "Monetnyi". There is no depression near the bottom on the reverse.

In very fine condition. There is a single shallow chip to the tip of the upper arm, not penetrating to silver and therefore not too conspicuous. The enamel also has a few tiny contact marks and minor scratches elsewhere that are barely noticeable to the naked eye, but still retains a very attractive overall appearance and luster. The center medallion has only minimal wear, its details are well-preserved and crisp. The screw post is full length, approx. 13.5 mm, and comes with original wartime screw plate.

Born in 1913 in a village of the Poltava Region, Ukraine, Aleksandr Ischenko served his first stint in the Red Army in 1934-37. In 1942, he was recalled to active duty, assigned to the 134th Rifle Division and in 1943, received his first decoration, a Medal for Combat Service. At the end of the war Ischenko had the rank of Senior Lieutenant and was serving as the bookkeeper of the 408th Field Bakery of the same division, then under the 69th Army, 1st Belorussian Front. In the final days of the war in Europe, his unit took part in the Battle of Berlin on the southwestern flank and reached the Elbe River near Magdeburg. On 8 May 1945, the day when the German surrender came into effect, Ischenko was recommended for an Order of the Red Star by the commander of his bakery. The recommendation stated that he was one of the division's veterans and cited his diligent service on controlling the bread baking, keeping spotless records of food allowances, and supervising timely deliveries to the frontline of both the bread for the troops and fodder for the division's horses. Within a week, the award was bestowed by a general order of the 134th Rifle Division which would remain in Germany for a while as a part of the Soviet army of occupation. Ischenko retired from the military in September of the next year, probably while still serving in Germany, and went on to work as a senior bookkeeper of the Communist Party bureau at the retail trust of the city of Kremenchug.

Research Materials: photocopy and complete English translation of the award record card and award commendation for the Order of the Red Star.
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