(22. 6. 1922)
In asil Stepanovich Petrov was born June 22, 1922 in the village Dmitrievka Priazovsky region Zaporozhye region in a peasant family. Russian by nationality. Member of the CPSU since 1945. In 1939, after Novovasilevskoy high school, enrolled in Sumskoe artillery school, which I graduated in 1941. During the Great Patriotic War. S. Petrov, commander of artillery units, has shown great courage and military valor. Fire guns destroyed many parts of equipment and manpower. In the battles for the Motherland Yegorov was wounded three times, lost both hands. After his recovery he returned to his regiment until the end of the war remained in the ranks. He was awarded two Orders of Lenin, Orders of October Revolution, Red Banner, World War I level, three Orders of the Red Star. In the post-Soviet period, Ukrainian President L.D. Kuchma awarded Yegorov Petrova Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky and awarded him the rank of Colonel. Bronze bust of the hero is set in Tambov
. W tion of the Hero of the Soviet Union with the award of the Order of Lenin and medal "Gold Star" Yegorov Petrov was awarded on Dec. 24, 1943 for the successful crossing of the Dnieper.
. In the Torah the Gold Star Medal "awarded June 27, 1945 for holding the bridgehead on the Oder
.
Fter the war Yegorov served in the armed forces and the headquarters, was deputy commander of artillery and rocket troops District. In 1954 he graduated from Lviv State University. Successfully defended his thesis, he wrote several books, including "The past is with us". Currently living in Kiev.
In Racha believed Yegorov Petrova most difficult and restless patients. He lay in a distant small house, and it included only when absolutely necessary, feared his abrupt temper. For days the patient remained silent. And not only in long days, sleepless nights he sat on the bed and swayed, rocked till dawn. If we go the nurse or the nurse, the patient threw her prickly, unhappy eyes, as if to warn: "Please do not linger". If anyone included loudspeaker, he angrily said: "You can not do without music?" Doctors answered questions briefly, reluctantly. And those who tried to "entertain," he grimly interrupted in mid sentence and turned away to the window. Everyone saw that Major Petrov combat with attacks bleak despair, hopelessness, but how to help him, nobody knew.
-You survived, "said his hospital doctor, an elderly man with persistent swelling under glazami.-You can say you are lucky.
Petrov glanced at the constricted bandages shoulders painfully twisted his parched lips, "lucky".
-And what do I need a life?.. No hands! It would be better just in my heart and end all sufferings!
-My dear, I am seriously ill, admitted vrach.-But, as you see, I work, do not give up. Nothing is more expensive and more beautiful life. Only one thing worries me: not all that he could have done for their country. And you have done. You are a lucky man.
-So it did, "smiled sadly Petrov., you have the wrong address, Dr..
No, not wrong. Now I'll tell you good news. Today on the radio that you were awarded the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union. I've come to congratulate you.
The doctor left, and Peter got out of bed and walked across the ward. Big, important news, he became a Hero of the Soviet Union. For that noted his highest honor Motherland? Of course, for the crossing of the Dnieper, for the battle with the tanks on the bridgehead. Over the last fight of his life. But the more he will no longer keep weapons. No hands ... He lost them on the right bank of the Dnieper. They abruptly turned his life. Actually, started a second life. She left behind. Memory stole Petrova in the initial months of the war, when he was a young lieutenant. Interesting coincidence: the very same city, where is the hospital, he came out of the environment. Came out in full uniform, with weapons. Real soldier. It is said about him and his comrade colonel, now Marshal of Artillery. But how much had to eat the bread of sorrow, bear encounters with the enemy, to march through the swamps and forests, struggling out of power! He did not overrate his will, his character. It is not just in himself, walked beside persistent, strong-willed senior comrades, who inspired his word and personal example. In the days of the gravest test he met these people. Together with them, and he became a strong.
In twenty years, Petrov had command of a battery. Hot fights to Stary Oskol, Voronezh, in Kharkov, in Lozovoj ... Where held its battery, were lined with tanks, mangled machine guns, enemy pillboxes. On the battlefield, Peter demanded by their soldiers as much as he did, and was the way wanted to see every soldier. Exposure and unwavering confidence in the commander's never left. In heated battles on Donetz battery Petrova captivated by an enemy regiment. She stayed to the last shell in Kharkov. Under Voronezh retreated neighbors infantrymen, artillerymen but Petrova did not move. Under Stary Oskol battery commander ferried weapons across the river on the ropes, but he slipped on the burning bridge by car.
... It happened at the crossing. On the left bank, taking cover in the floodplain forest, stood the columns of cars, guns, engineering units ... Almost every tree, under-equipment, people. The ferry was bombed enemy samopety. Upstairs, a clear blue sky, and. On the ground-a terrible rumbling, clouds of thick dust, the groans of people. Burned the bridge over the river. Extinguish the fire nebylo no way: over the river circling, dropping bombs, enemy planes. Everyone saw: no longer perebereshsya to the other side. The road to a base cut.
-Look, comrades, that they are doing, "exclaimed somebody.
People rose and saw the following picture: across the river to swim antitank gun. It went on the water itself, without human effort, and at first it was unclear how it moves. Then make out: it turns out, it is geared for the hooks and ropes on the side pulls his truck. In the middle of the river gun was hidden in the water, not far from the shore surfaced and soon crawled up the steep cliff. At the water, almost crouching, standing tall, slim, boyish with a roundish face Lieutenant. He gave this unusual, crossing.
Everyone who was on shore, it seemed that the loss of the bridge completely closed the way to the beachhead, and he, an artillery officer, found a way. Not paying attention to the bombing, he continued to stand on the shore and something showed hand truck driver. Looking at him, did not lose the shutter speed and the driver, he drove a tractor without the hassle. Apparently, the gunners manner flown on a base is not one gun.
Second-year at war, and such crossings have not yet seen, "said the major who was among the miners.
Fifteen minutes later people saw again the lieutenant, but a burning bridge. He drove to the bridge to "jeep". Everyone was waiting for: what else will make the gunner? Together with the driver, he climbed right in the clothes in the river, gathered in a canvas bucket of water and leaving behind a wet track, went to the car. Became clear his intent: lieutenant decided to rush to the car on the burning bridge.
He's that's gone mad? It will die the same ...
Dozens of people stood up and, forgetting about the whistle and the roar of bombs, looked at the gunnery. And, meanwhile, poured water "jeep", sat beside the driver and waved his hand: he went, they say. The car roared, rushed forward, dispersed at an angle at full speed and flew into the burning bridge. On the shore as if swept heavy sigh. "Jeep" had disappeared in flame and smoke. All over? No, the gunner was alive! The familiar "jeep" bullet, jumped out of the smoke, and at the same speed ran on to overtake the tractor, hiding in the woods.
Standing on the shore in full-length major, pale with just gone through, like woke up and, shaking his head, briefly summarized:
Desperate-head, but I would say, not reckless. Did you see how confident he acted? Calculation and courage-this is the highest bravery.
Many did not know who was this desperate artillery. Only later it became known: it was Yegorov Petrov. He himself, remembering the past, says with a smile:
-I was not going to die. I could see: burning the right side of the bridge, and left a little steamed. Was left a narrow strip. However, zharkovato was on the bridge, a little on fire. But broken.
The main feature of his character-will. It determined all his actions, giving him the courage, steadfast determination. Iron Will helped him to stand on the right bank of the Dnieper.
On the map it is easy to find a station, where he crossed the Dnieper, not far from Kremenchug, near the village Schuchenka. The atmosphere created here is so heavy that some officers were taken aback: it is impossible to approach the water; Opponent asleep the left bank of shells, mines, bombs. Neither day nor night did not stop a hurricane of fire. But time was pressing, on the other bank has already acted, our jumpers. Gunners must support them with fire. Artillery Commander ordered: "The first road across the Dnieper open Petrov".
T emnoy October night on the left bank of the Dnieper pushed off two ferries. The first two ferries with the gunners and guns. Yet they managed to swim to the middle of the river, as was the surrounding light-fascists threw dozens of missiles. Small boats were seen as the palm. On the water, not in the forest: no place to hide. Enemy batteries opened a furious fire that seemed to have all the river broke, could not breathe. On the left bank of the people rose from the ground and forgetting about the whistle, the roar of shells, anxiously looking for the crossing. The shells please the enemy directly in the pontoons. "It's over"-a heavy sigh swept along the shore.
Ferry, watching the people do not notice that the paratroopers rushed into the water and swimming reached the right bank. Did not see this and the Nazis. They believed that with the ferries, they have destroyed and artillerymen. Fire batteries immediately subsided. But the paratroopers, meanwhile climbed up the steep bank of the Dnieper. Major Petrov looked into the faces of his comrades. In pitch darkness he heard the orderly Pavlova, a battery commander Lieutenant Blokhin ...
-Together with our five persons-reported Blokhin Ivan. Five people survived the vanguard.
-Everyone can fight for ten, "as if divining thoughts Petrova," said Blokhin. Petrov, nodded his head. He knew his gunners: experienced people who have visited dozens of battles. They did not falter, do not retreat. Petrov felt in his heart the familiar confidence, beside him, shoulder to shoulder, strong, reliable companions.
-We missed a bit: the stove with a not taken, with a smile, "said Ivan Blohin.-warmed to a little ...
This character is really Blokhin, in any, the most difficult situation he is balanced, able to joke. And his jokes maintain the morale of the soldiers. Wet clothes became heavy and boots splashed water. Hear how someone's teeth from the cold taps small fraction. Yes, just a joke and a buoyant confidence can now warm the soul.
-Cheer up, comrades-in tone Blokhin said Petrov.-Soon we will throw the gun. Let's give a quick-fire soon be warm. Meanwhile sogreemsya at work. Must equip the position. The Germans did not leave us alone.
For soldier inviolable law: where he stayed there and created the position. The commander looks further: it evaluates the terrain and selects a position where it is profitable. But is it in such darkness that ever will see, choose? The experience helped to determine that they are on higher ground. Petrov feet probing the high-rise and briefly commanded: "fixed!" Immediately launched miraculously survived the walkie-talkie and reported the situation. What joy provoked message Petrov on the left coast! Voice commander of the brigade is awash with delight.
-Alive and well, dear?-Petrova. asked to repeat it, I'm sorry that you let. Well, hold on, Yegorov. I hope you. Am sending reinforcements.
It believe it hope ... These seemingly the most common words have always been concerned Petrova, gave him the strength. The same feeling he experienced on the right bank of the Dnieper. Petrov firmly resolved: once he volunteered to lead the commando, and he succeeded in crossing the river, he had to finish the second part of the job, keep a small bridgehead on the right bank. Whatever happens, keep. Will stand.
But something unexpected happened: the Germans threw against a small detachment, armed with a few guns (which managed to relocate from the left bank), dozens of tanks. The impression was that they pulled a small plot of forces from other areas and decided to do away with one powerful blow to the gunners. The first counterattack of the enemy, however, choked-on the battlefield were wrecked tanks. The second blow, the third. Nearly two days without a break thundering guns. Padali killed and wounded, some guns were completely without payment, while others were crushed by tanks. Petrov appeared now at one, then another gun, he got up in the place killed the gunner, knocked out four tanks. Battery lieutenant Blokhin set fire to eight tanks. Voltage battlefield increased. The surviving enemy tanks and went to the attack. One of the wrecked tanks deployed tower. Petrov, who was standing at the guns, saw the danger, but it was too late. A shell exploded in front of the gun. The flames burned his eyes, something has hurt. Petrov unconscious. After the battle, orderly Pavlov found him among the dead. Both hands were cut off from the commander, on the temple densely parched blood. Peter had just woke up in hospital ...
B oevye friends were punished not lose the spirit of courage, will power, which he always had. Peter understood that much in his state depends on himself, on how he will treat the incident. The main thing is to prevent misfortune, misery grow to the size of the disastrous. And Petrov mustered all his strength to fight a. But one thing upset him now: doctors, and some friends, looked on him as a hopeless invalid, which left only to relax and reminisce. Did he just knocked down? Of course, he can not tinker with the various mechanisms, can not fix the car, guns, watches, typewriters that could do before. He had "golden hands". Now they no. He can not and shoot (and there was a sharp shooter), to decide on the floor artillery tasks. But something he can! No, he does not consider himself conquered soldier to lose his place in the ranks!
. Once the doors wide open chamber, and Peter saw his military friends officers Blokhin (he had just left the hospital, not even removed the bandage), Chief of Staff of the regiment Kulemin, reconnaissance Zapolskoho
. In the room immediately felt lighter, the warm smiles and enthusiastic greetings. Friends recalled the recent fighting noisily, wartime comrades. We started talking as if nothing had happened-just parted briefly, and that's all.
"Well, Yegorov, is not it time to go home?" Asked Kulemin., we see: you're already on their feet. The whole regiment awaits.
-Waiting? Asked in surprise Petrov.
Yes, waiting. Everyone hopes that you will take back Regiment. And the brigade commander thinks so, and asked me to tell you this. It turns out it only for you.
-Do you think I can still fight? Asked quietly Petrov.
No-one is fighting with his hands, cried together, comrades.
Petrov sighed with relief and joy. His name is in operation. His comrades are waiting. For this one can live in the world! Again he was seized earlier hopes, aspirations, joys. He inwardly rid of all that tortured and suppressed it, and felt that second life would be a militant, active.
-Thank you, friends, smiling, "he said odnopolchanam.-You helped me great. Tell everyone in the regiment, even if waiting will soon arrive.
In the evening Petrov looked the doctor. He did not recognize his patient. Lively, cheerful Petrov told the doctor about his decision.
-You want to fight again? You, in your position?-Puzzled doctor.
Yes, doctor, I am disabled, I want to fight. I am a soldier and must return to the ranks, "strongly concluded Petrov.-And there is no such measures for a man that he did everything. Now I understood it, Dr..
"Well, Yegorov, see yourself. I am powerless to convince you. I can only in your health history to record a diagnosis: "It has a hard heart and character", "joked Dr. goodbye.
P etrova unable to hold the commission, was too high respect for his unbending will. Not persuaded him and the personnel officer, although suggested, it seemed the most appropriate and advantageous position in the high-HQ. "I still Powo" - invariably replied Vassily Stepanovich all admonitions comrades. And he returned to the regiment at the forefront of the war.
Artillery anti-tank regiment commander met his warm and solemn, as the dearest person. After some time, our troops advancing on German soil, was a legend Bezrukov Major artillery, Hero of the Soviet Union. Major was incredibly brave. They said that the battery which he commanded, knocked out many enemy tanks, leaving behind a cemetery mangled cars. In the battles at Dresden gunners under the command of Major-house seized the commanding heights, which had not been able to take infantry. They breach the enemy defenses, and it flooded our troops. Major artillery, as they said, was twice Hero of the Soviet Union.
H e then all believed that this legendary Major exist in reality, that his name was Vassily Stepanovich Petrov. Yes, it's his regiment with their fire and courageous actions of bringing terror to the enemy, knocked out and burnt many tanks. He's arrogant ballet in the middle of the day seized the heights near Dresden, and more specifically in the area Edernits-Vilgelmintal. Here's how it happened.
On the eve of the regimental artillery repulsed the onslaught of 16 self-propelled guns, 12 of them knocked. Prisoners reported: to help them move infantry. Petrov decided: you can not wait until the Nazis will concentrate. The most profitable time to finish them after an unsuccessful counterattack, until they are exhausted, had not yet recovered. Petrov united under his command stationed nearby units, a battalion of Polish infantry, gunners. Maybe it was not on the statutory rules artillery commanded infantry and tank crews, "but found no other way. He was a senior officer in rank, position, and he took the initiative, responsibility. And the neighbors did not object, they knew Petrova.
Gathered an impressive unit, an artillery regiment, 14 armored vehicles, captured before the enemy (in armored cars carried the drivers of motor vehicles), 15 self-propelled guns, infantry. And all this bat group moved on Hitler. Dozens of guns and machine guns fired on the move. Hurricane of fire among the silent silence! In the trenches of the enemy armada approaching incomprehensible. The Germans lost their heads, ran, and a detachment led by Petrov broke on the height. And immediately rushed her firmly entrenched. When Petrov reported this to the brigade commander, he did not immediately believe. A few hours later drew themselves up to the height of our major strength. Offensive began.
H. Melnikov
Additional information:
. Biography of the hero on the site "The soldiers of the twentieth century."
. Starooskole during WWII.
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. Sources:
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1) People of the immortal exploits. Moscow submarine v.2 1975
