Description
Order of the Red Banner #74433
Awarded to Jr. Lieutenant Fedor Vasilievich Mortikov (Федор Васильевич Мортиков)
For exemplary combat performance as a bomber and reconnaissance pilot, completing 64 combat missions with no failures, consistently penetrating heavy AA defenses, delivering precise and destructive bomb strikes against major enemy naval bases, ports, rail hubs, and industrial targets (Kotka, Helsinki, Tallinn, Krasnogvardeisk, Gotland)
After receiving the Order of the Red Banner, Lt. Mortikov flew an A-20 Boston bomber donated by American actor Red Skelton and was shot down
Made of solid silver and enamels. Measures 41.39 mm in height, 37.13 mm in width and weighs 25.4 grams. The serial number and the mint mark are located at the 6 o’clock position of its reverse.
In above-average condition for a screwback Red Banner with much of the original gold plating present. The raised areas show moderate wear, with most details still clearly visible. The red enamel is better preserved than on most screwback Red Banners, though it has a large chip on the lower edge of the top banner and repairs to two rays of the central star. The white enamel is problem-free. The order has not been converted to a suspension type. The screwpost is full length and it retains its period-correct silver screw plate.
Brief and specific description of the personal feat or merits:
Junior Lieutenant MORTIKOV has conducted 64 combat reconnaissance and bomber missions during the Patriotic war against the German Fascism. During his combat missions, he exhibits persistence, decisiveness, and initiative. Flying combat missions against targets heavily protected by AA defences, he always finds efficient approach direction and altitude, and always inflicts extensive damage to enemy targets. In the missions against the enemy troops and equipment on the ground, he utilises boldly and efficiently his machine-gun fire. There has never been a case of him loosing orientation in the air even during missions in adverse weather conditions, neither has there ever been a case of a mission failure due to his error. His bomb strikes causes sever destruction on the enemy positions.
13:03.1943 – Two bomb strikes against the enemy Navy base in Kotka under intensive enemy automatic AA fire and searchlights. Precise strike caused fire in the eastern side of the harbour.
16.03.1943 – Air strike at the harbour structures in the eastern side of enemy Navy base in Kotka caused 2 fires and strong detonation.
19.03.1943 – Air strike against the railway station Krasnogvardeisk under intensive enemy automatic AA fire and searchlights caused a large fire (confirm by other crews).
20.03.1943 – Air strike at the navy base and the political center of the enemy, Helsinki city, under intensive enemy AA opposition and adverse weather. Extensive damage to harbour structures and industrial facilities caused 6 fires (2 of which were large), confirmed by other crews.
21.03.1943 – Bomb strike at the structures in the western harbour of Helsinki city under intensive enemy AA opposition caused 2 large detonations.
22.03.1943 – Bomb strike against the navy base in Tallinn city under intensive enemy automatic AA fire and searchlights caused significant destruction at the railway juncture, where a blazing fire and explosions were observed.
23.03.1943 – Two bomb strikes against the Navy base and the political center of the enemy, Helsinki city, under intensive enemy automatic AA fire and searchlights caused large destruction to the harbour structures and industrial facilities located in the western harbour. Large blazing fire was observed and confirmed by the crews.
24.03.1943 – Bomb strike against the navy base in Tallinn city under intensive enemy automatic AA fire from both the base and the enemy ships. Destruction caused to the enemy ships and piers, where a fire was ignited by the strike. Confirmed by the crews.
28.03.1943 – Reconnaissance mission aimed at the enemy cruisers and transports around Gotland island detected an enemy ship patrol consisting of 3 patrol boats. Having descended to 600m, he sank 1 enemy patrol boat with a direct hit.
30.05.1943 – Flying free hunting mission, he spotted an enemy transport caravan. Having descended to 1600m, he heavily damaged 1 enemy transport with a direct hit.
28.07.1943 – Bomb strike against enemy enemy cruisers and transports near the Gotland island. A direct bomb hit was observed into a enemy 5000 tons transport followed by clouds of white smoke.
31.07 – 16.08.1943 – Three bomb strikes against the navy base in Tallinn city under adverse weather conditions and under intensive automatic AA fire and searchlights. Exercising persistence and decisiveness, he inflicted large destruction to structures in the “Kupecheskaya” harbour.
For exhibited persistence, decisiveness, and courage, for diligent execution of his combat missions, for the losses inflicted upon the enemy forces, comrade MORTIKOV deserves state award order “RED BANNER”.
The full translation can be read here
Information on Lt. Mortikov can be found here
After receiving the Order of the Red Banner, Lt. Mortikov flew an A-20 Boston bomber donated by American actor Red Skelton and was shot down. More information on this can be read here
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