The medallion is in silver, measures 49.0 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 35.7 mm in width; weighs 33.1 g without the suspension and connecting link. Stamped serial number to the reverse in a font standard for its serial number range.

The medal is in excellent condition. The bas-relief portrait of Admiral Ushakov has only a few minuscule contact marks that are either completely unnoticeable or barely visible to the naked eye; its

The medallion is in silver, measures 49.0 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 35.7 mm in width; weighs 33.1 g without the suspension and connecting link. Stamped serial number to the reverse in a font standard for its serial number range.

The medal is in excellent condition. The bas-relief portrait of Admiral Ushakov has only a few minuscule contact marks that are either completely unnoticeable or barely visible to the naked eye; its raised details as well as details of the wreath and lettering are exceptionally well preserved and crisp - far better than the average for the Ushakov Medal. The medallion is completely free of the usual bumps or edge knocks.

The medal comes on the original suspension device in steel which includes silver chains. Symbolizing anchor chains, these are a unique feature of the Ushakov Medal that emphasize its nature as a purely naval decoration. The chains are original and complete with all the links present and unaltered. The ribbon is old but nicely preserved and sound. The silver connecting link appears to be original and its ends are still joined with solder. Overall, an outstanding example of the Ushakov Medal.

Ilya Orlov joined the Soviet military in 1938 at the age of 19, most likely as a conscript, and after completing his stint, apparently chose to remain on active duty as a career naval NCO. During WW2, he served with the Soviet naval forces in the Far East and therefore did not take part in the war with Germany. As of August 1945, Orlov had the rank of Chief Petty Officer, the highest Soviet naval NCO rank, serving as the bosun on one of the torpedo cutters of the 8th Separate Torpedo Boat Squadron, North Pacific Flotilla. In this capacity, he showed outstanding courage and skills during the Soviet amphibious assault on the Japanese Port of Toro (now known as Shakhtersk) on the southern half of Sakhalin Island on 16 August, a part of the Soviet "Blitz" campaign against Japan. During the voyage towards their target through the Strait of Tartary separating Sakhalin from the mainland, Orlov dedicated a lot of energy and time to making the voyage least uncomfortable for the marines onboard. While approaching the enemy shore in harsh weather, he constantly maintained the link with his formation. During the landing, he showed bravery while unloading the personnel and weapons. On the same day, he made another trip, bringing to the beachhead an entire platoon of machine gunners with all of their ammunition and weapons.

On 6 October 1945, Orlov was recommended with an Order of the Red Star for his bravery in the amphibious landing at Toro. The recommended award however was changed to the Ushakov Medal - technically, a downgrade - by the command of the North Pacific Flotilla. The medal, bestowed on Orlov on 5 October 1945, was his only decoration for WW2, although he was later also awarded with the Combat Service Medal for the length of service in the military.

Research Materials: photocopy of the award commendation for the Ushakov Medal
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