093.612/10–2644
The Ambassador of the Soviet Union (Gromyko) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: The Soviet Government, placing high value on the services of American seamen engaged in convoy work from the United States of America to the Soviet Union wishes to reward by the bestowal of medals and orders of the U.S.S.R. on persons of the lower ranks of the American Navy who have distinguished themselves in the organization and the execution [conduct] of convoys.
[Page 926]I will be grateful for an expression of the opinion of the United States Government on this question.71
Sincerely yours,
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In a note of November 9, the Acting Secretary of State expressed sincere appreciation to the Ambassador of the Soviet Union for this “gracious gesture of the Soviet Government” and a later note on December 20 declared that the Navy Department had approved in principle the proposed awards, and that “when specific awards and names are furnished the matter will be given further attention.” (093.612/10–2644)
A letter of January 20, 1945, from the Soviet Chargé (093.612/1–2045) listed 190 orders and medals allotted by the Soviet Government for award to men of the United States Navy who had distinguished themselves. A list of candidates for these decorations, received from the Navy Department on March 7, was forwarded by the Department to the Soviet Ambassador in a note of March 21 (093.612/3–745).
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