Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The British Commonwealth, Eastern Europe, the Far East, Volume III

093.112/491: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the Secretary of State

Moscow, January 28, 1943—6 p.m.
[Received January 29—2:18 p.m.]

67. For the President. In view of the lifting of the siege of Leningrad and the successful defense of Stalingrad, I believe that it would be a fine gesture on the part of the United States Government especially at this time if I were to offer to decorate with appropriate American awards certain outstanding members of Soviet armed forces. It has been suggested to me by my Military and Naval Attachés⁹ that awards to approximately 20 army and 10 naval officers and men as designated by the Soviet Government would be appropriate at this time. If you approve, please inform me what army and navy awards I may offer for presentation when I discuss this matter with the Soviet Government.¹⁰

The British have previously decorated members of the Soviet armed forces.

Standley

9. Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Michela, and Rear Adm. Jack Harlan Duncan, respectively.
10. President Roosevelt and the Navy and War Departments approved this suggestion. After some lapse of time, Ambassador Standley began to discuss details with Soviet officials for presentations which took place on June 22.