(1. 9. 1913 - 15. 6. 1960)
P employee Mikhailovich Kovalenko, Major, Assistant Chief of the Soviet Union military mission of the National Committee of Liberation of Yugoslavia. Born September 1, 1913 to Mr.. Engels, Saratov region. Russian. In the Soviet Army, he served from 1935 to 1958. He graduated from college, military schools and military tank armor academy. Participated in the Russo-Finnish War 1939 - 1940 period.
During the Great Patriotic War, fought in the People's Liberation Army and Partisan Detachments of Yugoslavia. For military distinction and impeccable service in the Soviet Army was awarded the Order of the Red Banner (1955), . two Orders of Red Star (1939, . 1943), . medal for the liberation of Belgrade and three other medals, . as well as the Yugoslav Order "Guerrilla Star 1-st degree.,
. W tion of the Hero of the Soviet Union with the award of the Order of Lenin and medal "Gold Star" Pyotr Mikhailovich Kovalenko was awarded on Aug. 24, 1944 for valor and courage, . shown in the performance of special tasks command to fight the Nazi invaders on the territory of Yugoslavia.,
. Fter serious illness Colonel P
. M. Kovalenko, died June 15, 1960 in g. Moscow.
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P employee Mikhailovich Kovalenko worked as an assistant military attache at the Soviet Embassy in Yugoslavia in the period when Nazi Germany together with Italy and Hungary, suddenly attacked the Yugoslav people
. April 6, 1941 Hitler began bombing Belgrade aviation. Enemy divisions from three sides rushed to the Yugoslav capital. To avoid falling into the hands of the Nazis, the Soviet embassy employees have left Belgrade. Kovalenko, he drove the Soviet military attache. Winding along the country and mountain roads, our diplomats out of the trap and escaped Nazi captivity.
. In late 1943 the Soviet government at the request of Marshal Tito in Yugoslavia decided to send a military mission, headed by Lieutenant-General NV
. Korneev to help the Yugoslav people in their struggle. The mission was included and Major Kovalenko. From Moscow to Yugoslavia mission of reaching out to the aircraft through Stalingrad, Baku, Tehran, Cairo, Tunisia and Italy. With our air base in Bari, established by agreement with the allies, the mission in February 1944, flew gliders on the Adriatic Sea and landed in the area, Mr.. Bosanski Petrovac, 40 kilometers from the headquarters of the Supreme People's Liberation Army of Yugoslavia. Distance Drvar, rates of Marshal Tito, our officers have been walking for one day.
. In the spring of 1944, when the Soviet Army came to the borders of Romania, the headquarters of the Supreme People's Liberation Army of Yugoslavia began to shift some of its troops from the western areas of the country to Serbia and in the direction of Belgrade
. For assistance in implementing this plan in place were sent to staff officers and the Soviet military mission. Major Kovalenko was sent to Montenegro, the troops commanded by General Peko Dapchevich. The territory occupied by the enemy, Kovalenko was about 500 kilometers and arrived safely to the headquarters of the 2 nd Proletarian Corps. Soon, this body of Montenegro became the way to the Yugoslav-Romanian border to meet the advancing Soviet Army. Overcoming the rivers, mountains and resistance, the parts were to the east more than 400 kilometers. Particularly stubborn fighting, in which the rm. Kovalenko took part, were conducted in crossing the Ibar River and over the mountain Kopaonik. There have been wrecked many of the fascist, and large detachments of Ustashi and Chetnik - sided with the Nazis. Faithful assistant corps commander was Major Kovalenko. Fine owning Yugoslav German, he often went to explore deep into the rear of the enemy and deliver command information of exceptional importance, which was taken on the basis of the tactical and operational decisions.
. The troops of General Peko Dapchevicha out in designated areas and in conjunction with the Red Army took part in the Belgrade operation and subsequent battles to liberate the country from the Nazis.
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. Sources:
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1) Heroes of the Soviet Union: A Brief Biographical Dictionary. V.1. M.: Voeniz.1987.
2) Rumyantsev.N.M. People legendary heroism ". Saratov. 1968
