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Georgiy KurbatovSoviet naval officer, participant of the Great Patriotic War, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 07.04.1919
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Early Life and Naval Career
Georgy Dmitrievich Kurbatov was born on April 7, 1919, in Yelets, now part of the Lipetsk region in Russia. After completing seven grades of education, he worked at the Stalinsk Chemical Plant. In 1939, he joined the Soviet Navy.
Great Patriotic War
With the outbreak of World War II in June 1941, Kurbatov became a member of the 1st Torpedo Boat Division of the Northern Fleet. As the commander of the engine room of the torpedo boat "TK-13," he participated in the sinking of eight enemy ships, 20 amphibious reconnaissance and diversionary group landings, and 20 mine deployments.
Heroism at Liinahamari
During the Petrozavodsk-Kirkenes Offensive, Kurbatov distinguished himself during the landing at the port of Liinahamari on October 12, 1944. As part of the first wave of boats carrying troops, "TK-13" approached the pier at maximum speed despite heavy fire.
Kurbatov was the first to disembark and secured the mooring lines to allow the troops to disembark. However, facing heavy enemy fire, the boats were forced to depart immediately after landing. As "TK-13" was leaving, it sustained heavy damage, disabling its radio room and steering mechanism.
Despite being wounded in both hands, Kurbatov refused to abandon his post and used the engines to steer the boat out of the fire zone. For his exceptional courage and heroism, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on November 5, 1944.
Post-War Life
After the war, Kurbatov continued to serve in the Soviet Navy until 1949, attaining the rank of Senior Lieutenant. In 1954, he graduated from the Oryol Party School and retired to live in Yelets. He passed away on April 19, 1991.
Awards and Honors
Hero of the Soviet Union (Gold Star Medal)Order of Lenin
Order of the Red Banner
Two Orders of the Patriotic War (1st degree)
Order of the Red Star
Various medals
