Description
Russian Federation Medal for Bravery #57390
Awarded to Driver-Mechanic Corporal Yuri Viktorovich Kukushkin (Юрий Викторович Кукушкин)
For his personal bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice displayed under life-threatening conditions while liquidating the consequences of the disaster at the CHERNOBYL Nuclear Power Plant within the 30-kilometer zone
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 33.9 mm in diameter and 2.6 mm in thickness. The height of the medal is 38.9 mm (including the eyelet) and it weighs 23.0 grams without its suspension.
In pristine condition with all details crisp and a medium patina to the silver. All of the red enamels are still present without chipping or repairs. The medal comes with an aluminium suspension and its connection ring has not been cut.
Characteristic statement of specific merits of the individual being recommended for the award:
Retired Corporal KUKUSHKIN Yuri Viktorovich, during the period from August 22, 1987, to October 27, 1987, performed official duties to liquidate the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant within the 30-kilometer zone as a driver-mechanic for military unit 97752.
During the liquidation of the accident consequences, he proved himself to be a disciplined, steadfast, and courageous soldier. He received a radiation exposure dose of 9.54 Roentgens. His unit was directly involved in the decontamination of the 3rd power block and the territory adjacent to the block.
CONCLUSION: For his selfless act and courage shown during the rescue of people under conditions involving life risks, retired Corporal KUKUSHKIN Yuri Viktorovich deserves to be awarded the medal of the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland”, II Class.
The full translation of the research can be read here
Short biography of Yuri Viktorovich Kukushkin:
Yuri Viktorovich Kukushkin was born on November 13, 1947, in the settlement of Savino within the Savinsky Raion of Ivanovo Oblast, Russia. After graduating from 10 grades of secondary school in 1966, he entered military service later that year, serving as a driver-mechanic in the Moscow Military District until his discharge as a corporal in late 1968. Returning to civilian life, he spent the next two decades working across the Ivanovo region in various skilled technical roles, primarily as a fitter, auto mechanic, and heavy machinery operator.
His life changed drastically when he was mobilized to assist with the catastrophic aftermath of the 1986 nuclear disaster. Working as a driver-mechanic for military unit 97752 his main accomplishments included operating under strict discipline and steadfastness during hazardous operations to directly decontaminate the 3rd power block and the territory immediately adjacent to the ruptured reactor building. The immense dangers of this frontline service exposed him to a severe and documented radiation dose of 9.54 Roentgens, a level of exposure nearly five times the modern annual limit for nuclear workers, underscoring the profound risk to his long-term health in service of rescuing others.
Following his grueling service as a liquidator, Kukushkin returned home to Ivanovo, continuing his trade as a fitter-assembler for a local military unit throughout the 1990s and eventually transitioning to work as a civilian security guard for LLC “Vozrozhdenie”. Though his heroic efforts went underrepresented for years, his profound self-sacrifice was officially recognized decades later. On June 22, 2006, by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Yuri Viktorovich Kukushkin was formally presented with the prestigious Medal “For Courage” (Serial No. 57390), forever cementing his legacy as a frontline hero of the Chernobyl disaster.
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