Order of the Red Banner, Type 4, Variation 2, Sub-variation 2 (Strekalov classification), #212087, awarded on 29 March 1946 to Major Vladimir Khimerik, Chief of Chemical Service, Air Forces of the Black Sea Fleet.
Silver gilt, enamels; measures 45.1 mm in height (incl. eyelet and lower extensions of the torch and flagpole), 37.2 mm in width; weighs 27.0 g not including the suspension and connecting link. Manufactured by the Moscow Mint in 1945. Features a curved down mint mark in relatively small font with a curved dash over the last character in the word "Monetnyi".
In outstanding, excellent condition. The enamel is perfect throughout, free of any wear except for a couple of microscopic contact marks that could be barely found even with a 10x loupe - an uncommon case. Both the red
Silver gilt, enamels; measures 45.1 mm in height (incl. eyelet and lower extensions of the torch and flagpole), 37.2 mm in width; weighs 27.0 g not including the suspension and connecting link. Manufactured by the Moscow Mint in 1945. Features a curved down mint mark in relatively small font with a curved dash over the last character in the word "Monetnyi".
In outstanding, excellent condition. The enamel is perfect throughout, free of any wear except for a couple of microscopic contact marks that could be barely found even with a 10x loupe - an uncommon case. Both the red and white enamel show magnificent luster. The details of the wreath, flagpole and torch are likewise perfectly preserved and exceptionally crisp. The original gold plating is still present, although mostly obscured by the dark silver patina. There is also a very attractive dark patina to silver on the reverse.
The order comes on an original suspension device, a WW2 two-layer model in steel with self-locking pin. The beautifully preserved, clean ribbon is old, possibly original to the order. The connecting link appears to be original as well, and its ends are still joined with solder. Condition-wise, this is a truly superb example of the WW2 Order of the Red Banner - literally impossible to upgrade!
Vladimir Khimerik was born in 1906 in the city of Kiev and joined the Soviet Navy as a conscript in 1928. During the 30s, he served with various naval aviation units of the Black Sea Fleet, first as a meteorologist and later, armament technician and chief of the chemical service of an air squadron. In 1933-34, Khimerik completed the RKKA chemical service training program and later steadily rose through the ranks becoming by 1938 the chief of the chemical service of the 119th Aviation Regiment, Black Sea Fleet.
In this capacity, Khimerik took part in the Patriotic War starting from its first day of 22 June 1941. In 1941-42, he with his unit took part in the defense of Sevastopol. Among his main responsibilities were preparing incendiaries for the bombers and setting up defensive smoke screens. He was also directly involved in training the personnel for a possible enemy chemical attack (interestingly, the large-scale war games undertaken in 1943 under his watch involved thousands of naval personnel being exposed to combat-strength mustard gas).
In May 1942, Khimerik was promoted to Chief of Chemical Service, and in 1944, decorated with two Orders of the Red Star (one for length of service and one for excellent performance.) He was also awarded with Medals for the Defense of Sevastopol, Defense of Caucasus, and Victory over Germany. The Order of the Red Banner awarded for length of service in 1946 was his last decoration on record.
Research Materials: photocopy of the award record card, award commendations for the two Orders of the Red Star, and relevant pages of
the award decrees.
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