Soviet Medal of Ushakov #3747

Description

Medal of Ushakov #3747

Awarded to Senior Red Navy sailor Viktor Semenovich Fedorov (Виктор Семенович Федоров)

At just 17, Fedorov bravely took part in the defense of Leningrad in 1941, helping build the city’s fortifications. He later served in a special Leningrad HQ unit that hunted enemy saboteurs, successfully capturing two in the Moskovsky District. Later he played a key role in seizing the Romanian minelayer ‘Smeul’

Made of solid silver. Measures 35.73 mm in width, 48.55 mm in height including its eyelet and weighs 31.8 grams without its suspension. Featuring admiral Ushakov surrounded by 84 ‘pearls’. The serial number, ‘3747’, is located on the reverse of the medal. The minimum known serial number is 9 and the maximum 15704.  

In decent, about average condition. There are several dings and scratches, and the raised areas show moderate wear, although most details on Ushakov’s bust remain clearly visible. Both sides exhibit a medium silver patina, and the connecting ring has been cut. The suspension and the silver chain hanging diagonally from the medal’s suspension are original, and the ribbon appears to be period-correct.

Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms:

At the age of 17, as a teenager, Fedorov participated in the defense of Leningrad in 1941, helping to fortify the defense lines of the city. Later, he was transferred to Leningrad headquarters, where he served in a special unit tasked with eliminating saboteurs.

In the Moskovsky District of Leningrad, Comrade Fedorov and his team detained two saboteurs and delivered them to the command headquarters of the Central Defense Sector. Afterwards, he was sent to a special school, and upon completing it, he began his service in the Red Navy.

Comrade Fedorov participated in the operation to capture the Romanian minelayer ‘Smeul’ [renamed SKR Toros by the Soviets], where he was assigned to seize the ship’s radio room and equipment. Fedorov successfully fulfilled the task – he captured the radio room along with equipment and documents. Despite being unfamiliar with the captured equipment, he quickly mastered it and began operating it. In the process, he discovered a hidden compartment containing 12 depth charges with electric detonators on the wall. By reporting it in time, he eliminated a serious threat to nearby warships.

During the ship’s transition from Constanța to Sulina and Sevastopol, despite the challenges in maintaining communication due to using German radio equipment, Comrade Fedorov carried out the communications assignment flawlessly.

The full translation of the citation can be read here

More information on Fedorov can be found here and some information on the Romanian minelayer ‘Smeul’ can be read here

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