Description
Order of the Red Banner #41073
Awarded to Guards Lieutenant Colonel Gavriil Ustinovich Karateev (Гавриил Устинович Каратеев)
For outstanding leadership and personal bravery in combat against Finnish forces, leading bold counterattacks that drove the enemy back several kilometers, personally operating a heavy machine gun under fire, organizing the destruction of a 300-man enemy force with heavy losses and captured weapons, and continuing to command and fight despite being wounded
This order of the Red Banner made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 39.8 mm in height, 36.1 mm in width and weighs 25.2 gram. The serial number and the mint mark Monetni Dvor are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
The order is in above average condition with light overall wear and much of the original gilding present. The raised areas such as the center wreath and the torch show their details perfectly well. The original enamels are mostly present and in better condition than most screwback Red Banners but show loss on the 9 o’clock ray of the center star and a repair to the left side of the top banner. Its screw has not been shortened and both sides show an appealing patina to the silver. The order has never been (re)converted and comes with its time period and well fitting silver screwplate.
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits:
From the beginning of the Patriotic War, Comrade Karateev has continuously engaged in fighting with the White Finns. His personal example of valor and bravery motivates his soldiers to emulate.
On 13 July 1941 near Longonvara, a group of White Finns penetrated our defense and advanced three kilometers into our defense.
As commander of a machinegun company, Comrade Karateev received the mission to drive the enemy from our territory. With a group of as many as 100 soldiers, Comrade Karateev capably advanced on the invaders. The White Finns were confident in their push and had already brought their wagons forward.
The group under Comrade Karateev’s command boldly and decisively engaged the White Finns. Not expecting such a bold attack, the White Finns were scattered and retreated 2.5 kilometers, abandoning their casualties, arms, and ammunition on the battlefield. The White Finns wanted to dig in on the very border but at that moment in their lead formation, Comrade Karateev appeared and personally manned a heavy machinegun and poured a stream of bullets against the White Finns.
The enemy could not resist the deep fire and our soldiers’ attacks and were forced to retreat to the State border. Lieutenant Karateev organized the pursuit of the retreating White Finns and pursued them three kilometers past the border and only then returned to a defensive posture.
On 5 September 1941 a group of White Finns numbering up to 300 soldiers made a forced river crossing of the Metri River near Kudomgub, moving into the rear of one battalion, intending to cut the Kudomgu-Narisozere road and capture two batteries of regimental artillery.
The leadership of the liquidation of this group was assigned to Lieutenant Karateev. Comrade Karateev conducted a good reconnaissance of the enemy firing systems, surrounded the group, and waged fierce fighting against the group over two days. By the end of the day on 6 September 1941, the group was liquidated. The enemy left 137 bodies on the battlefield, as many as 39(?) were found in the Megri River. The enemy also left a large quantity of armament and ammunition – up to 130 rifles, two heavy machineguns, six light machineguns, and other weapons.
In subsequent fighting Comrade Karateev has commanded the battalion, stubbornly defending every inch of our native land.
Comrade Karateev was wounded in one engagement near Kumsa-2 but did not evacuate the battlefield until the end of the fight.
The full translation of the citation can be read here
More info on Lt. Col. Karateev can be found here
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