Description
Order of the Red Star #1992444
Awarded to tugboat Captain Alexander Ivanovich Shemet (Александр Иванович Шемет)
For courage in carrying out critical naval transport and troop-transfer operations during World War II, including skillfully saving his tugboat from destruction during a German air attack
Made of silver and enamels. Measures 47.5 mm in width, 45.3 mm in height and weighs 31.0 gram without its screwplate. The serial number is located at the 6 o’clock position and the mint mark on the 12 o’clock position of its reverse.
In excellent, well above average condition. The details are mostly visible and the enamels problem free with some minor contact marks only. There have been no repairs and the screw is full length. The order comes with a well fitting and time period screwplate.
Short excerpt and translation of the research:
Aleksandr Ivanovich SHEMET arrived at the Kronstadt Naval Auxiliary Ships and Harbors Detachment of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet on July 20, 1941. From that moment on, he served as the senior mate of the tugboat Zarnitsa, carrying out operational tasks for the command, towing barges to islands, Ruchi, and Ust-Luga. In September 1941, during a heavy air raid in Ruchi, a German Ju-88 aircraft dived on the tugboat “Zarnitsa” and, having broken a wing, fell into the water. Thanks to the courage shown by comrade SHEMET, he quickly maneuvered and the 3 bombs dropped did not hit the target, but having received damage / a hole / thanks to the resourcefulness of comrade SHEMET, the ship was taken to a shallow place, where the hole was repaired and they independently raised anchor and, taking barges, returned to the city of Kronstadt. In 1942, comrade SHEMET was appointed captain of the tugboat K-6, transporting cargo from Leningrad to Kronstadt. He set an example by his personal example of performing command tasks during difficult times.
In 1943, as an experienced navigator, he was assigned to combat missions at the KP-12 and K-2. During the transfer of the 2nd and 42nd Shock Armies, where he demonstrated exceptional service to his country, disregarding rest and fatigue, comrade SHEMET remained on the bridge for 16-18 hours at a time. Given the importance of the operations, comrade SHEMET managed to assist his subordinates on deck, imparting his practical experience to the crew. For courage and perseverance demonstrated during the Patriotic War in carrying out complex and responsible command assignments, he deserves to be presented with the governmental award of the order of the „Red Star“.
More information on Captain Shemet can be find here
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