Kochetkov, Petr Korneevich, Section Commander, Minesweeper 808, Baltic Fleet

[Ed Maier]

Here is a great citation from a Navy group that I have in my collection. Kochetkov was awarded the Order of the Red Banner for this action as well as the United States Navy's Distinguished Service Medal. He is one of only 22 Soviet sailors to receive this medal during the war. Here is the citation:

Award Citation

As a Section Crewmember of Mine-Sweepers, 2nd DKTSh Brigade of Trawlers OVPa, Red Banner Baltic Fleet, Petty Officer 2nd Class Kochetkov, Petr Korneevich,

Is recommended for the Order of the Red Star.
(Awarded Order of the Red Banner, Orders No. 073 from 21 October 1942.)

1. Nationality: Russian.
2. Social Background: Worker.
3. Party Membership: Member of the VLKSM.
4. From which time in the RKKA or RKVMF: From 1940.
5. Any Service in the Civil War: Did not serve.
6. Year of Birth: 1920.
7. Wounds or Contusions: Heavily Wounded.
8. Earlier awards received, when and for what: No awards.
9. What incentive for earlier awards and for what: None.
10. Service in the White or any other bourgeois army or as a prisoner: Did not serve and not captured.
11. Permanent address: K.B.F., V._.P.S., 1001, p/ya No. 572.

I. Short, Concrete Explanation of Military Display or Merit.

During the time of battle with the German Fascists, Comrade Kochetkov displayed courage and valor, and created the best unified mine sweeping crew. Under his leadership the minesweeper can be extended and retracted in only a few minutes.
During the navigations of last year, Comrade Kochetkov swept and destroyed 5 enemy mines. He personally blew them up without fear while inspired by the sole thought to destroy the Fascist vermin without mercy. For displaying courage, excellence and valor, Comrade Kochetkov was recommended for a State Award.
During the repulsion of an enemy air attack, Comrade Kochetkov was heavily wounded but did not leave his military duties, scorning danger at the risk of his own life; he threw himself to save the Kater and the lives of his comrades from the threat of explosion. He worked until he lost consciousness.
In the ammunition holds, where the Kater’s ammunition boxes were on fire, including creates of grenades and machine gun ammunition, Comrade Kochetkov rushed into the pile of burning creates and started to throw them overboard. Comrade Kochetkov unloaded the ammunition and straining every last nerve, he extinguished the fire that prevented an explosion on the Kater and saved the lives of his wounded comrades. His strength slowly ebbed and he lost consciousness. When he came too, he bandaged his own wounds and then helped his wounded comrades by bandaging their wounds and raising their spirits by his own example of courage and bravery.
He deserves the State Award, the Order of the Red Banner.

Commander of the Mine Sweeper Brigade, Military Commissar of Mine Sweeper Brigade,
/s/ Captain 2nd Rank Perfilor /s/ Senior Battalion Commissar Romanov
29 Sept. 1942