SERBIA & KINGDOM OF YUGOSLAVIA
Order of the War Banner
Hollow-made gold Star, 80 mm, with plain and chiselled rays alternated by silver ones, these, set with 110 synthetic brilliants and 35 synthetic rubies; centre medallion made of patinated silver with embossed scene of marching soldiers and flags; white enameled outer circlet with motto “ЗА СЛОБОДУ И НЕЗАВИСНОСТ – SOCIALISTIČKE DOMOVINE” in gold lettering within a golden, beaded border; the reverse with broad counter medallion, struck with the “IKOM” and Yugoslav gold marks; vertical, broad pin; in the original, red case of issue of early type with elaborate, fitted compartment, the lid with golden inscription “ORDEN RATNE ZASTAVE” and Yugoslavia’s coat-of-arms printed in gold on the inner cushion; together, the original, goldwoven red ribbon bar with brooch; with the original award document, dated in Belgrad on December 22nd, 1961 to Colonel Dušan Ćorković, parchmentpaper, with wax seal in a suspended, wooden capsule.
A very rare star, extremely fine condition and nicely toned.
This one-class order is the 7th highest sign of honor of the former socialist Yugoslavia and the 1st properly military one. It was founded on 29 December 1951 and awarded to “military commanders who show personal courage, self-sacrifice, involvement in commanding and distinct role in creation, fixing and training of Armed Forces of SFRY during the war” (translated from the decree of institution). In the period 1951-1984, it was conferred 209 times only, of which 204 to Yugoslavs and the further 5 to Soviet
Generals.
Note: Dušan Ćorković, born in 1921, was among the first fighting in the Yugoslavian Partisan Forces and in the organization of the Communist Party, he was active in the struggle against German and Italian forces throughout the war. At the war’s end and in the months immediately after, he was responsible of atrocities against the Italian ethnic component in Dalmatia and against prisoners of war. No attempts to have him convicted or put under trial succeeded.
He also studied at the higher war college in Moscow, continuing a brilliant career in the Yugoslavian army, where he reached the rank of Colonel General.
Among his many honours, he was also proclaimed Hero of the Yugoslavian People on July 23rd, 1952. He passed away on May 23rd, 1980, receiving state
honours. I RR!

Estimate: EUR 4500 - 9000