The political and military leadership of the Ministry of National Defence, attended the commemorative ceremony in honour of the heroically fallen of the patrol boat “Faethon” during the operations in August 1964 at the battles of Tillyria. The ceremony took place at the House of Cyprus in Athens, at the presence of the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Christoforos Fokaides.

The Minister of Defence Panos Kammenos bestowed the Commendation Medal Star of Merit and Honour to Captain Dimitrios Mitsatsos.

At his speech, the Minister of National Defence said the following:

“Mr. Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus,

Mr. Alternate Minister of National Defence,

Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff,

Chief of the National Guard,

Chiefs of General Staff,

Dear Colleagues, MPs of the Republic of Cyprus and of the Hellenic Republic

Generals, Admirals,

Honorary Chiefs present here today,  

Captain of the patrol boat “FAETHON”,

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a special opportunity for me to be here today, at this commemorative ceremony of the Turkish airplanes’ cowardly attack against the patrol boat “FAETHON” in August 1964, an act of clear violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and the principles of international law.  

I would like to underline here that, even after the boat had run aground and it was abandoned by its crew, the bombardments continued, in breach of the Geneva Convention; exactly like Turkey did after bringing down the Russian aircraft as, violating all principles of international law, it continued shooting against the pilot who had abandoned the aircraft.

We come today feeling moved, but also with the conscience that this ceremony bears great historic burden. It is our obligation towards the heroes of the past but also towards future generations, never to forget historic memory, passing down to younger generations the traditional principles and values of love to the country, of faith and devotion to duty.

Awarding honours to the families of the heroically fallen and to the Captain of the patrol boat “FAETHON” Captain Dimitrios Mitsatsos is our least duty to these heroes. I would like to remind us all that the crew of the patrol boat was made of young children who loved their country, who wrote with their blood one more glorious page to the history of the Hellenic Navy, devoted to the traditions of its 3.000 year long history.

Therefore, it is each Greek’s duty to render tribute to the brave men of Greece and Cyprus who generously and selflessly gave their life for the freedom of Cyprus.

Their sacrifice on the altar of freedom and independence for the Cypriot people underlines Hellenism’s common path, is a model of unity and fellowship and points out once more the weight of our joint effort.

Common memory and today’s ceremony unite us and inhibit oblivion. We must never forget the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, the uprooting of thousands of our Greek and Cypriot brothers from their ancestral homes and the ongoing illegal occupation of Cypriot territory.  

Today, it is our duty to the younger generations to carry on defending the universal values of freedom and dignity, defended by the heroic crew of the patrol boat “FAETHON”, also conveying a message of decisiveness to the intruder who unfortunately carries on provoking with his actions in the area of the Aegean and Cyprus.

I would like to say at this point that the Captain, despite his heroic act, despite his serious wound, carried on executing the orders he took by the Hellenic Navy and never confessed his heroic deed.

Therefore today, Captain, by decision of myself, the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff and the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff we put an end to the prohibition and by joint decision we will award you the medals due on behalf of the country.

Finally, allow me to express my gratitude since the Cypriot Hellenism and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus constantly honours the historical deposit of our heroes’ struggles and sacrifices.

I would like to assure you that with the Minister of Defence of Cyprus, Mr. Christoforos Fokaides, we have decided to close old bills. We did the same thing with Commodore Chandrinos who was bestowed the Commendation Medal Star of Merit and Honour. We will also do it with the participants of operation “Nike”. The Hellenic Air Force General Staff has already begun the procedures. We will also do it for the personnel of the Hellenic Navy and Army since, notwithstanding what finally happened, the fact that they have not been honoured by the Country for their offer is unacceptable.

Thank you for what you have offered to the country and thank you also for your endurance until today”.

The decision for the award of the Commendation Medal Star of Merit and Honour to Captain Dimitrios Mitsatsos is the following:

“By decision of the Minister of National Defence Mr. Panos Kammenos, the military commemorative medal for Cyprus Operations and the Commendation Medal Star of Merit and Honour are awarded to Commander Dimitrios Mitsatsos, in wartime availability, captain of the patrol boat “FAETHON”, for his participation in the events which took place in Tillyria and Nicosia in 1964, as well as for his distinguished service to the Armed Forces and the country”.