Velichko, Vlas Fomich, Gun Platoon Commander, 887th Artillery Regiment

[jefflgarrison]

This is my first group that I have had researched.

Pretty interesting to me at least.

Senior Leutenant Velichko started his career in the Red Army in 1936.

However, his first award was received in February 1943 for action the pervious November and January around the area of Stalingrad.

Comrade Velichko during the Great Patriotic war, in the periods of the 19-25 November 1942 and 10-29 January 1943, has shown bravery, skill and courage while fighting the fascist forces. Under his supervision as a party commisar the following job was made: smooth comminucation was provided for ... , up to 255 enemy weapon's emplacement were found and covered by artillery fire. Having suffered from lack of communications repair personnel and with the wounding of the platoon commander on January 21, 1943 during the fight near the village of Alexeevka of Stalingrad region, he has taken command of the platoon and successfully reestablished on going communications. For his deeds comrade Velichko deserves the governmental award "For Bravery".

Unfortunately, Vlas was the victim of timing. A bit later and his award might have been an "Order of Glory III" or "Order of Nevsky". However, in the photo attached to his booklet, he seems pretty happy with his medal "For Bravery".

Along with this medal comrade Velichko was awarded the medal for the "Defense of Stalingrad". Both the medal and award paper were in the group.

Nothing more is know about Vlas until his last award, "Order of the Red Star" (1.796.282) that was awarded on May 21, 1945 for action around Konigsberg.

In the battle for the village of Mondeln, April 9, 1945, being in the midst of the infantry formation, he has adjusted the fire of the artillery group. With his correct designation of the coordinates of all the emerging targets, shells did hit the targets precisely, that resulted in beating off three harsh counter-attacks, with enemy having received heavy losses in both infantry and machinery.

During the assault of fort #2, being in the midst of the infantry formation, he, with the help of his group, has destroyed one machine gun and suppressed 81mm mortar squad, that helped achieve enemy's surrender.

He was also awarded the medal for the "Capture of Konigsberg". Award card was included with the group.

His booklet shows that he finished the war and was demobilized in 1947.