During the war, the title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded to more than a hundred natives of Mordovia. Hero of Russia from Mordovia Alexander Yanklovich: “We fought not for the Caucasus, but for our children. Feats of arms of natives of Mordovia, heroes of the Soviet Union
At all times, military glory and valor were valued; they were celebrated in different ways - from ballads to the highest state awards. During the Great Patriotic War, such an award was the Gold Star medal as an insignia of the Hero of the Soviet Union.
Officially, there are 104 Heroes of the Soviet Union in Mordovia, but in the appendix in the two-volume book Mordovia during the Great Patriotic War, published by the Research Institute of Humanities under the Government of the Republic of Moldova (these are the same scientists who all prove the “foggy” 1000th anniversary of the entry into the composition and friendship of the Russians and Mordovians, although the two-volume book itself is at the level) in 2005 - 115. Here it should be noted that the people from Mordovia have always “fled for a better life” - now everyone is rushing to Moscow, and in the 30s - the only moment to escape from villages were sent to study or to large construction projects in the country, since only in this case it was possible to obtain a passport. Therefore, many Heroes of the Soviet Union were born here, but were taken away by their parents at a young age for a better life - they were called up from the Far East, Saratov, Moscow and other places and are considered Heroes of those regions and republics. Our museum workers and local historians are trying to rewrite such people as Mordovia. :)
The fourth person awarded at the beginning of the war in Mordovia is considered Vinogradov Gennady Pavlovich, who received the rank of GSS for fighting in Krasnoarmeysk in February 1943.
Description of his feat on the website warheroes.ru:
Guard Red Army soldier of the 12th Guards Brigade of the 4th Guards Military Command Vinogradov distinguished himself on February 18, 1943 in a battle near the city of Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk region, Ukraine). Defending the brigade headquarters from 5 enemy tanks that broke through to it, Vinogradov knocked out 3 of them with fire from a tank gun. Later he took the Battle Banner and the wounded brigade commander out of encirclement on a T-34 tank.
A more complete biography was accidentally found in the comments to the photo of the GSS board by G.P. Vinogradov:
Vinogradov Gennady Pavlovich- member of the CPSU (b) since 1944
Born on October 20, 1920 in the village of Pochinki, now Bolshebereznikovsky district of the Republic of Mordovia, in a peasant family. Russian. He graduated from junior high school and worked on a collective farm from the age of 14.
In 1940, Gennady was drafted into the ranks of the Red Army, as part of the border guard in the Murmansk region. Commander of the coastal gun of the Northern Fleet. After being wounded, he fought as a machine gunner in a reconnaissance platoon of the control company of the 12th Guards Tank Brigade (4th Guards Tank Corps, Southwestern Front). In February 1942, he was sent to a reserve regiment, from there to the 66th Tank Brigade.
From February 1943 - commander of the T-34 tank, commander of a tank platoon.
Guard Private Vinogradov distinguished himself on February 18, 1943 in a battle near the city of Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk region of Ukraine). While defending the brigade headquarters from 5 enemy tanks that broke through to it, Vinogradov knocked out 3 of them with fire from a tank gun. Later he took the Battle Banner and the wounded brigade commander out of encirclement on a T-34 tank.
The title of Hero of the Soviet Union with the presentation of the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal (No. 963) to G.P. Vinogradov. assigned April 17, 1943.
After demobilization in 1946 (lieutenant) Gennady Pavlovich became the head of the Penza logging office in the Gorky region. Since 1962 - a foreman in the vacuum equipment workshop, later - in the improvement workshop of the titanium-magnesium plant (now OJSC Avisma). Lived in the city of Berezniki. Died August 7, 1983.
An ordinary biography of an ordinary hero, but for one thing, before 1942, Vinogradov was not Vinogradov and his name was not Gennady.
Well, first things first: In 1962, GSS Genady Pavlovich Vinogradov came to his native village of Pochinki, but there’s a catch - the surname Vinogradov is not in Pochinki. Yes, apparently someone in Vinogradov recognized a man who was born here, but had a different last name and first name. They didn’t raise a scandal, but sent a letter to the Mordovian regional committee (I’m writing from memory): Gennady Pavlovich Vinogradov came to our village, but he is tormented by vague doubts - whether some rogue married the wife of the heroically deceased GSS and illegally appropriated the title and awards. We sent a letter to the KGB, they carried out operational work and it turned out: the real name of the GSS is Ivan Pavlovich Gubanishchev, born in 1913. In 1942, verbatim from the document, “I was in captivity and after being released from captivity,” I received documents in the hospital (I didn’t have any documents in my hands) for Genady Pavlovich Vinogradov, born in 1920. Under this name and surname, in February 1943 he accomplished a feat and was awarded the GSS medal and the Order of Lenin.
The document contains the phrase: After checking the correctness of the data about G.P. Vinogradov. (Gubanishcheva I.P.) the investigation was discontinued.
The document itself was located in the Documentation Center of Contemporary History (former party archive of the regional committee); now it is part of the Central State Archive of the Republic of Mordovia.
A few words from myself: I can guess why Gubanishchev - he was called up in 1940 (this is from the GSS award list) was 27 years old and most likely had a family, so as not to put it at risk. I note that it is very difficult to change your name; he only left his middle name.
The man accomplished a FEAT, and if there were any doubts about his behavior in captivity, the KGB would have dug it up. He already punished himself by living most of the time under someone else’s name and surname; just a trip to his native village attracted a KGB check and a change of place of residence and work.
The only interesting point is where and how he was captured and how he escaped or was released. If you believe the full biography that I found, it turns out that he was captured between June 22, 1941 and January 1942 (it is unknown in which hospital and how long he spent). Questions still remain.
But perhaps this is the only GSS who accomplished his feat under someone else’s name and surname.
I hope that this entry will not harm the children and grandchildren of G.P. Vinogradov.
Mobilization of people to the front in the Mordovian region began on the first day of the war. The region sent 12,340 people to the front, did not return from the battlefields, and 6,850 names of soldiers were listed on the pages of the Book of Memory.
For active participation in combat operations, demonstrated courage and heroism, 90% of the Mordovian war participants were awarded orders and medals. Five became Heroes of the Soviet Union. These are Ivan Aleksandrovich Martynov, Alexey Vladimirovich Polin, Vasily Vladimirovich Klimov, Viktor Aleksandrovich Myasnitsyn, Fedor Ivanovich Vyaltsev.
Vyaltsev Fedor Ivanovich- commander of an artillery battery of the 1031st Infantry Regiment (280th Infantry Division, 60th Army, Central Front), corporal. Born on February 15, 1922 in the village of Mordovo, now a village in the Mordovian district of the Tambov region, in a peasant family. Russian.
On the night of September 25, 1943, under enemy fire, he transported a gun across the Dnieper near the village of Okuninovo (Kozeletsky district, Chernigov region). A group of paratroopers, led by Vyaltsev, held the captured section of the coast for three days, expanding it to a kilometer along the front. At critical moments of the battle, when the Nazis came close to the positions, the paratroopers twice called fire on themselves. In these battles, 27 enemy machine guns were destroyed, 4 tanks and one armored personnel carrier were knocked out. During the fighting on the bridgehead, Vyaltsev’s crew knocked out a tank, destroyed 3 machine guns, a mortar and up to a platoon of Nazis.
By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated October 17, 1943, for the courage and heroism shown during the crossing of the Dnieper and holding the bridgehead on the right bank, Sergeant Fedor Ivanovich Vyaltsev was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union with the Order of Lenin (N13636) and the Gold Star medal (N 1895).
In 1945 he graduated from the Penza Artillery School. Since 1946, Lieutenant Vyaltsev has been in the reserve. Lived in the city of Lipetsk. He worked at the Lipetsk Metallurgical Plant as a carpenter. Died August 21, 1977. He was buried in his homeland, in the village of Mordovo. Awarded the Order of Lenin and medals.
Vasily Vladimirovich Klimov
, major, navigator of the 15th Fighter Aviation Regiment, was born in 1917 in the village of Aleksandrovka, Mordovian district, Tambov region, into a peasant family. He was awarded three Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of Alexander Nevsky, the Order of the Patriotic War 1st degree, the Red Star and many medals.
The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded to V.V. Klimov on May 15, 1946 for 300 combat missions, 89 air battles and 27 personally shot down enemy aircraft and the valor and courage shown.
During the war, pilot Klimov had to carry out a variety of command combat missions: covering ground troops, escorting bombers and attack aircraft, reconnaissance and attacking enemy troops.
In 1949, he graduated with honors from the regional party school, headed the regional committee of DOSAAF and was again in the army. In 1958 he was dismissed due to health reasons. From 1963 until the last days of his life, V.V. Klimov was the head of the country's first school for young cosmonauts. Died in 1979.
Viktor Alexandrovich Myasnitsyn
Born in 1924 in the village of Lavrovo, Mordovian district, Tambov region, into a peasant family. My father was a participant in the Civil and Great Patriotic Wars and was wounded in 1942.
In the battle on January 25, 1945, when crossing the Oder River in the Keben area, it was necessary to immediately open fire on the enemy. There was no radio communication. Comrade Myasnitsyn was given the task of immediately crossing to the western bank of the Oder River and establishing a wire connection with it. There was no crossing at that time. Comrade Myasnitsyn, despising death, under enemy rifle and machine-gun fire, airstrikes and air bombing, crossed the river using improvised means, taking with him two signalmen and communications equipment, and returned back. Communication was restored, thanks to which the division opened fire on the enemy, which made it possible to hold and expand the bridgehead with counterattacks.
For the courage and heroism shown during the crossing of the Oder River, Comrade Myasnitsyn is worthy of being awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Commander of the 312th Guards Mortar Lvov Red Banner Guard Regiment, Major Kucherov. 6.2.45
Polin Alexey Vladimirovich. Born in 1910 in the village of Artyomovka, now Mordovian district, Tambov region. in a peasant family. Russian.
Graduated from primary school. He worked as chairman of a collective farm in his native village. In the Soviet Army since Feb. 1942. Since that time at the front. Scout of the 714th Infantry Regiment (395th Infantry Division, 18th Army, 1st Ukrainian Front) Private Polin in the battle on 02/26/1944 for the village of Vishenka (Khmelnitsky district, Vinnitsa region .), having used up all the ammunition, rushed forward at a critical moment of the battle and closed the embrasure of the enemy bunker with his body. At the cost of his life, he contributed to the fulfillment of the platoon’s combat mission.
The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded posthumously on August 25, 1944.
Awarded the Order of Lenin and medals.
He was buried in Khmelnik. A bust of the Hero was installed in the village of Vishenka, where the street and pioneer detachment bear his name.
Martynov Ivan Alekseevich, native of the village Nikolo-Sergeevsky Mordovian district.
On June 23, 1944, Soviet troops began the liberation of Belarus. Troops of the 2nd Baltic Front advanced from the area northeast of Vitebsk. The first to cross the Western Dvina near the village of Labeyki was the 199th Guards Rifle Regiment, in one of the battalions of which I. Martynov commanded. The commander of the fifth company was killed in the battle. He was immediately replaced by Senior Lieutenant Martynov and was the first to transport the company to the right bank of the river. At the height of the battle, Martynov was wounded in his left arm, but did not leave the battlefield. The crossing was under heavy enemy fire. Again and again he fought off enemy attacks until he fell mortally wounded (June 24, 1944). He was buried on the left bank of the river. Western Dvina near the village of Labeyki. The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded on July 22, 1944 for heroism shown in battles during the crossing of the Western Dvina River.
Material from the site "Seeker"(MOU "Oboroninskaya Sosh")
Description of the presentation by individual slides:
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During the Great Patriotic War of 1941 - 1945. The Mordovian people, together with other peoples of the Soviet Union, stood up to defend their homeland. Military units were formed in the republic, covering themselves with glory in the battles for Moscow, Stalingrad and other cities. Natives of Mordovia during the Second World War
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Participation of the population of Mordovia during the Second World War Almost 100 thousand residents of Mordovia erected the Sursky defensive line, the remains of which can still be seen on the banks of this large Mordovian river. 14 hospitals and 17 industrial enterprises were evacuated to the republic. One of these plants became the basis for the subsequent creation of JSC Elektrovypryamitel.
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The collective farms of Mordovia supplied the front and areas liberated from fascist occupation with food. Almost 80 thousand people lived in the republic, evacuated from the western regions of the country.
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During the Great Patriotic War, natives of Mordovia could be found both in the besieged Brest Fortress, and in Berlin and in liberated Prague. About 100 thousand people were awarded orders and medals of the Soviet Union. More than 100 people (including 61 Mordovians) were awarded the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Natives of Mordovia are heroes of the Soviet Union
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Heroes are not born... Sergei Fedorovich Akhromeev Marshal of the Soviet Union Sergei Fedorovich Akhromeev was born on May 5, 1923 in Mordovia. USSR officer, Hero of the Soviet Union (1982), Marshal of the Soviet Union (1983). Graduated from the Military Academy of Armored Forces. Member of the CPSU since 1943. During the Great Patriotic War, he was a junior officer and was awarded for his participation in the defense of Leningrad during the siege. Since 1974 - deputy chief, since 1979 - first deputy; in 1984-1988 - Chief of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces, First Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR. Winner of the Lenin Prize in 1980.
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Viktor Nikolaevich Bobkov is the youngest Hero of the Soviet Union among the natives of Mordovia who were awarded this title during the Second World War. He died at the age of 18. Viktor Nikolaevich was born in 1926 in Saransk. Here he spent his childhood and youth. In August 1943, Victor volunteered for the front. Heroes are not born... Liberating Belarus, our troops were not able to immediately cross the Neman. When the unit in which Viktor Bobkov was located approached the Neman, our fellow countryman volunteered to cross the river in the first ranks of the Soviet troops (as the soldier’s friends say, at the front he had a favorite saying: “Either your chest is in the bushes, or your head is in the bushes”). On a makeshift raft, under hurricane fire, seven scouts, among whom was Victor, floated across the river and then secured a foothold on the western bank. During the day, the scouts repelled enemy counterattacks and firmly held the line. Viktor Bobkov was assigned to deliver an urgent report to the regiment commander. Again, under enemy fire, he swam across the river and delivered a report. During the crossing of the Neman, Victor was seriously wounded. For three months, doctors fought for his life, but they could not defeat death. For his courage and determination, the young intelligence officer was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. In Saransk on May 5, 2012, a monument to him was unveiled on the Walk of Glory. Viktor Nikolaevich Bobkov
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Devyataev Mikhail Petrovich - legendary Soviet pilot. He entered the history of the Great Patriotic War by performing an unprecedented feat: hijacking a V-1 carrier aircraft from a secret German airfield. The terrible days of testing, lived in concentration camps, are described by Mikhail Petrovich in the book “Escape from Hell”. She is a parting message to the younger generation: remember and never allow something like this to happen again. Heroes are not born... Mikhail Petrovich was born on July 8, 1917 in the Mordovian village of Torbeevo into a peasant family. Mordvin. He was the thirteenth child in the family. Participant of the Great Patriotic War since June 22, 1941. Already on the second day, he took part in an air battle in his I-16. At the entrance to the village of Torbeevo, a real monument was erected - a MiG-17 aircraft - in honor of the heroic escape of M.P. Devyatayev from fascist captivity. Devyataev Mikhail Petrovich
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Born on October 19, 1918 in the village of Troitsk, now the Kovylkinsky district of the Republic of Mordovia, in the family of an employee. Since 1938 in the Red Army. In 1940 he graduated from the military aviation school for pilots. Since June 1941 on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. Until August 1941 he fought as part of the 87th IAP; to April 1942 - in the 42nd IAP; to August 1943 - in the 434th IAP (32nd Guards IAP). Participated in the defense of Bryansk, Orel and Kursk, in the battle of Stalingrad. Heroes are not born... Kotov Alexander Grigorievich Hero of the Soviet Union By mid-January 1943, the deputy squadron commander of the 32nd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (210th Fighter Aviation Division, 3rd Air Army, Kalinin Front) of the Guard, Senior Lieutenant A.G. Kotov committed 250 sorties, in 88 air battles he shot down 16 enemy aircraft. On February 22, 1943, for courage and military valor shown in battles with enemies, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
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Ivan Vasilyevich Boldin (August 15 (3), 1892, Vysokaya village, now Insarsky district of the Republic of Mordovia - March 28, 1965, Kiev) - Soviet military leader, army commander of the Great Patriotic War, Colonel General (1944). Heroes are not born... Ivan Vasilyevich Boldin Colonel General In the first months of the Second World War, Boldin, commanding an operational group of troops cut off from the main forces of the Western Front, led it out of encirclement. From October 1941 - commander of the 19th Army, from November 1941 - the 50th Army, which defended Tula, participated in the counter-offensive near Moscow, in the Battle of Kursk, the liberation of Belarus, and the East Prussian offensive operation. Since Apr. 1945 - deputy Commander of the 3rd Ukrainian Front.
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The Monument of Eternal Glory was erected in memory of the Mordovian soldiers who fell during the Great Patriotic War. The composition of the monument to fallen soldiers symbolizes Mother Mordovia blessing her warrior son for the feat. The mother is dressed in national clothes, with a festive Mordovian headdress on her head. A woman hands a sword to a kneeling soldier. Nearby there is an 18-meter granite pylon with the inscription: “Eternal glory to the soldiers who died for the freedom and independence of the Soviet Motherland in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.” You took your own life to save a life. Your feat will forever be in the hearts of a grateful people.” The Eternal Flame burns in front of the monument. In 1985, pink granite steles with the names of Saransk natives who died in battles for their homeland were installed near the monument. Monument of Eternal Glory
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The heroes of the Great Patriotic War gave us the future. And without knowledge of the past, there will never be a future. Eternal memory to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War! As long as Russia lives, the names of the people whose military labor made our Motherland a great power will forever be in the people's memory! Everlasting memory!
16.04.2009 16:17
The names of how many of the 108 natives of Mordovia - Heroes of the Soviet Union can any of us remember? Two, three, ten? Well, of course, the legendary Mikhail Petrovich Devyatayev, who managed to escape from fascist hell, fighter pilots Ivan Stepanovich Kudashkin and Sergei Ivanovich Vandyshev. It just so happened that for many, marked by a high-profile title, it was aviation that was the start to heroic deeds.
Although among the Heroes of the USSR there is, for example, Major General Artillery Vasily Fedorovich Sdunov, who was born in the Atyashev village of Lobaski. A new documentary exhibition dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the title “Hero of the Soviet Union”, which opens today at the Saransk Memorial Museum of Military and Labor Feats of 1941-1945, tells about him and other glorious sons of the Mordovian land.
The highest award - title "Hero of the Soviet Union" was established April 16, 1934. Later, the Gold Star medal was established (1939). It was awarded for exceptional military services to the country. Along with the star, the recipient was awarded the Order of Lenin and given the title “Hero of the Soviet Union.”
The first Heroes of the Soviet Union were seven pilots who participated in the rescue of the Chelyuskinites. This is A.V. Lyapidevsky, S.A. Levansky, V.S. Molokov, N.P. Kamanin, M.T. Slepnev, M.V. Vodopyanov, I.V. Doronin.
In the battles near Lake Khasan in 1938, 22 commanders and 4 Red Army soldiers were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for military exploits and military valor.
Among them is our fellow countryman Ivan Alekseevich Pozharsky. His service in the Red Army began in 1928.
In 1938, as the military commissar of the battalion, senior political instructor Pozharsky personally led three counterattacks to drive the samurai from the heights of Zaozernaya. Twice wounded, he did not leave the battlefield. Died heroically in hand-to-hand combat. He was not even 33 years old. For demonstrated courage and courage, by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of October 25, 1938, I.A. Pozharsky was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union (the first from Mordovia). The streets of the cities of Ardatov, Vladivostok, Saransk were named after him and monuments were erected in his homeland and in Primorye.
Among the living Heroes of the Soviet Union, we proudly note the names of our illustrious fellow countrymen: Mikhail Georgievich Gureev, Vladimir Ivanovich Chudaykin, Vladimir Pavlovich Gritskov, Ivan Alekseevich Shchipakin, Vasily Vladimirovich Yaksargin.
Senior Lieutenant Alexey Deryabin
Flight commander of the 15th Guards Attack Aviation Regiment, Senior Lieutenant A.N. By November 1944, Deryabin had flown 111 combat missions. On October 20, 1944, an Il-2 flight under the command of Deryabin attacked a concentration of German tanks in East Prussia. At the exit from one of the assault attacks, the flight commander's plane was damaged by a blast wave, but the experienced pilot managed to bring the attack aircraft to his airfield. The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded on April 19, 1945.
Awarded the Order of Lenin, three Orders of the Red Banner, Orders of the Patriotic War 1st and 2nd degrees, two Orders of the Red Star.
Until 1960, he served in the Air Force, then worked at a machine-building plant in Leningrad. He died on November 8, 1990 in Leningrad.
Major Vladimir Strelchenko
Navigator of the 948th Assault Aviation Regiment, Major V.I. By September 1943, Strelchenko had flown 192 combat missions, in 75 air battles he shot down one German aircraft personally and 12 in a group. The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded on February 4, 1944.
After the war he continued to serve in the Air Force. In 1952 he graduated from the Higher Advanced Courses for Officers. Since 1957, Lieutenant Colonel Strelchenko has been in reserve. Lived in the city of Saratov. Awarded the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner, Alexander Nevsky, the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree, and two Orders of the Red Star. Retired Colonel Strelchenko died on November 25, 1981.
Junior Lieutenant Vasily Kornishin
Platoon commander of the 717th Infantry Regiment, junior lieutenant V.I. On July 18, 1944, Kornishin led the soldiers of his unit through a swamp to a strong point of German defense near the village of Semenuvka (Poland) and, attacking, captured an enemy trench. Hemmed in on three sides, the Nazis hastily regrouped and launched a counterattack. Platoon V.I. Kornishina repelled three enemy attacks and held the occupied line. But in this battle the young officer died. The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded posthumously on March 24, 1945. Awarded the Order of Lenin. Vasily Ivanovich Kornishin was buried in a mass grave in the city of Hajnowka (Poland).
Petty Officer Konstantin Karachkov
Artillery battery sergeant major K.A. On August 20, 1944, Karachkov, when breaking through German defenses in the area of the city of Iasi (Romania), under enemy fire, uninterruptedly provided the battery with ammunition.
On August 30, 1944, in the battles for the village of Albeshti (Romania), he destroyed an enemy machine-gun point with grenades, thereby providing the opportunity for our units to move forward and was one of the first to break into the village. The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded on March 24, 1945. Awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree, and the Red Star.
Major Semyon Polezhaev
Guard squadron commander Major S.A. By December 1943, Polezhaev had flown 224 combat missions to bomb military-industrial facilities deep behind enemy lines. The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded on March 13, 1944.
Since 1946, Major Polezhaev has been in reserve. He graduated from the Higher Trade School of the USSR Ministry of Trade in 1952. He worked as a manager of the republican base "Rostorgodezhda" in Saransk. Awarded two Orders of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner. Died September 19, 1982.
Corporal Viktor Bobkov
On July 15, 1944, scout Bobkov in a group of fighters crossed the Neman near the village of Kovshi, Mostovsky district, Grodno region of Belarus, and participated in repelling enemy counterattacks on the bridgehead. Under enemy fire, the young scout delivered a report from the commander of the assault group to the regimental headquarters. When returning to the bridgehead, swimming across the river in the opposite direction, he was seriously wounded. He died of wounds in the Rostov-on-Don evacuation hospital on October 17, 1944. He was awarded the title of Hero on March 24, 1945, and was awarded the Order of Lenin.
"Izvestia of Mordovia"
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Hero of Russia from Mordovia Alexander Yanklovich: “We fought not for the Caucasus, but for our children”
And the bullets didn’t take him, and the fire didn’t burn him, and the glory with the “copper pipes” didn’t lead him astray... Former special forces commander Alexander Yanklovich is the only native of Mordovia awarded the title of Hero of Russia during the Chechen war. During the assault on the village of Karamakhi, he and his subordinates entered into hand-to-hand combat with militants, during which he captured one of them. Having received a bullet wound, the officer continued to lead his subordinates until the combat mission was completely completed. Today Alexander Yanklovich is a deputy of the Saratov City Duma, director of a large municipal enterprise and father of four children. Mikhail Nikishin met with the Hero of Russia.
The conversation lasted more than four hours, but Yanklovich devoted 20 minutes to military events. “I don’t like to remember this, much less boast about the title of Hero of Russia,” he snapped. - This star is not mine, but of all the guys who were nearby! You better meet your children and your wife. She is simply wonderful to me! Look what a nice dog he is running around. And the house seems okay.” On the threshold of the Saratov home of the Yanklovichs, the “S” correspondent was met by “combat reinforcements” - Daniil, Daria and Georgy. Children of our hero. The uniform is black T-shirts with a large inscription “I love special forces”...
...Alexander Yanklovich was twice nominated for the Order of Courage, but the award documents were not passed through the highest authorities. The regiment sympathized: “Apparently, it’s not your destiny to wear the order. Even though you deserve it." He was not offended: “Special forces do not fight for awards. For the idea. Until complete victory." Later, when a decree was signed conferring the title of Hero of Russia, the commander of the special forces group, Major Alexander Yanklovich, very clearly explained what idea he was fighting for: “Before leaving on a Chechen business trip in August 1999, I reminded my soldiers of the terrible crimes committed by militants. About how many people were captured into slavery. About lawlessness in border areas. There is only one conclusion: if we don’t punish the bandits, terror will spread throughout Russia! Today they rob and kill civilians in Dagestan and Chechnya, and tomorrow they will come to our homes. And that means we are fighting not for the Caucasus, but for all of Russia! For a peaceful sleep for our children and loved ones! Here it is, our idea..."
Alexander Yanklovich's father is Yuri Pavlovich, director and soloist of a military orchestra. Mom - Valentina Aleksandrovna, retired police lieutenant colonel, served in the Ministry of Internal Affairs for 27 years. “It was hard for me to become someone else,” our interlocutor smiles. - After the 8th grade I went to enroll in the Odessa Marine Corps, I wanted to prove to myself and my parents that I could achieve something on my own. The points I received in the exam were enough for the Nizhny Novgorod River Institute, where I began to master the profession of a ship engineer for foreign navigation. I studied for a year, then I realized that it wasn’t for me, and I returned to school...”
He grew up as an active and active child - he loved football and skiing. Sometimes he was mischievous, but at the same time he always listened to and respected his parents. Especially his father, whose authority was unquestionable for him. Alexander was respected among his peers. They looked for him not only as a defender from offenders, but also as a reasonable mediator in disputes. No one doubted: Yanklovich is an honest guy! He knows the value of words, will not offend anyone in vain, and will always judge fairly. “Everything in life must be done with distinction! This is exactly how I set up my fighters,” says Alexander. - If you have already joined the army, serve conscientiously! So that there is no shame!
...September 1999. Yanklovich’s unit, having successfully completed the task of clearing the villages of the Botlikh region of Dagestan, arrived in the Kadar zone. On September 2 we went out for reconnaissance. On the approaches to the village of Karamakhi, the loud barking of machine guns grew louder, and the roar of the “shaitankas” echoed loudly in the mountains. On air on an alarming note - the call sign of the Kalachev brigade: the bandits tightly squeezed their column. “All hope lies in you, Yurich,” the detachment commander addressed Yanklovich. - All the officers there are wounded. You quickly move to the northern outskirts of the village, behind the bandits’ rear, and occupy a bald high-rise building. Further - as taught. With God blessing!.."
Immediately after the school prom, Yanklovich, upsetting all Yavas’ brides, left to enroll in the Leningrad Higher Military Command School of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. And he graduated from the university with honors. “Soviet patriotic education had an effect,” continues Yanklovich. - We were ready to move mountains for our Motherland with enthusiasm alone! Studying at a prestigious university was not easy. But I have a principle: if you get down to business, bite into it to the end! A red diploma gave the right to choose a place of service. I decided to go to the capital - to the Dzerzhinsky division.” In October 1995 - 10 days after graduating from college - he and his comrades were sent to Chechnya. He returned home only in March 1996, having received his first wound. After the hospital, Alexander created a special forces group in the village of Yavas. The soldiers went on combat missions directly from Mordovia. “In three years, we created military special forces from scratch, which was one of the best in the Volga region. Later, the units were consolidated, and our group was transferred to Saratov. That’s how I ended up in this city, where I live to this day...” At the same time, Alexander met his first and only love - his future wife Tatyana. “She is also from Mordovia. We got married in 1996, immediately after my return from my first military deployment,” says Yanklovich. - I adore Tatyana, she is a wonderful person! She graduated from the Temnikovsky Medical School, got a job in the special forces medical unit in Saratov and honestly devoted three years to the service. Our eldest son Daniil is 14 years old, our daughter Dasha is 12, and Goshka is 2.5 years old. So we are on time on all fronts!”
...The distance to the high-rise was passed in one breath. We crawled just as quickly along a steep rocky slope. They lay down in the grass. A minute to think and decide. The bandits are hammering from the cabbage field - their group is small, but moves quickly. We need to seize the initiative. “Kamyshan, you go down and start hammering at the bandits from the front, constantly changing positions,” Captain Yanklovich waved his hand. - You distract attention with your machine gun, drawing them into a firefight. Let them run around the cabbage. Meanwhile, we will fry their asses from the rear. The rest work in pairs... For battle!”
“Who was recruited into the special forces then? Bandits in law,” Yanklovich laughs. - There were guys who simply had nowhere to go in the “dashing 1990s”. I tried to get them out of the criminal mire. I recruited 40 normal guys who went not for the money, but for the idea. Honest and reliable team. By the way, in Yavas he forced all his people to learn the Mordovian language. On it, the fighters negotiated in Chechnya. No encryption needed. Today the same guys work side by side with me. You know, I trust any person. But if he let me down, then goodbye! And I absolutely don’t care what they say about him. Betrayal? I've encountered it more than once. In war it’s simpler - here’s black, here’s white, the human essence is quickly exposed. Scoundrels don't last long with you. In civilian life it is more difficult. Too many halftones. It’s especially wild for me when a person betrays his family. No matter how you live with your wife, give your child a happy childhood, and then get a divorce. The most precious thing in our lives is our children, for them we live.”
How many times did Yanklovich’s unit come to the rescue where even experienced military men gave up! One day, the headquarters of the joint group of forces in Dagestan received information about a group of suspicious persons crossing the Terek River. When Yanklovich's group covered the bandits, a serious battle ensued. During the operation, 16 militants were killed, and one was captured. Yanklovich took it personally. It turned out to be not a Chechen, but an international terrorist, Iranian by origin. Later, thanks to the clear actions of Yanklovich’s group, it became possible to free eight hostages from captivity...
...The dashing maneuver fully justified itself. The bandits focused on our machine gunner, and then jumped out of cover and came under accurate fire from the special forces. As soon as they ensured the withdrawal of the Kalachevites - a new order. We need to help the scouts who have been harassed by bandit snipers. “Kamysh, let’s repeat our game, you’re doing great!” Yanklovich indicated the position to the machine gunner and attached a magazine with tracers to the machine gun. And this time the plan was one hundred percent successful. The Dagestani riot police, tracking the movements of the bandits, began to dance with joy: “Ay, handsome, I got it!” Soon, a machine gun and an American Magnum rifle with powerful optics were found in that place. And by the end of the day, three more enemy snipers were destroyed...
“Our family was believers,” says Alexander Yanklovich. “But I really turned to God only during the war.” I am very grateful to Father Jerome from the Sanaksar Monastery, who was my confessor. He accompanied our special forces. He said that everyone would survive. And so it happened. Now I always wear a simple cross, which Father Jerome gave me...”
...September 7. The main task: acting in the vanguard of the detachment, capture two dominant heights and provide fire cover for the assault groups. The militants in Karamakh are confident that the federal attack will begin according to the classic pattern - from the mountain slopes downwards; the nature of the local terrain excludes other options. That is why the commander made a bold decision. “They don’t expect us at the exit of the gorge; there are almost vertical slopes,” he said. “We will prove that special forces can do the impossible.” Yanklovich, your fighters will go first..."
“Was I scared? Yes! - our hero smiles. - Fear is one of the ways to control yourself; it is your helper, not your enemy. If you are not afraid of anything at all, you are a fool! True, this feeling must be controlled and not confused with panic. Fear of responsibility, fear for loved ones and relatives, fear of God... What is death? This is just a transition to another state, nothing more. You need to remain correct and righteous in your soul. It’s stupid, of course, to speak in phrases from films, but I like one: “What is the strength, brother? In truth." I teach my children this attitude towards life. I have served as a deputy in my district for three terms. But I calmly walk the streets and look people in the eyes. Never promise what you cannot deliver. And if you promised, break up, but do it.”
...They passed. On special forces will, on character, on combat anger. Wet fighters, gray with dust, clinging to the stones with tattered palms, supporting each other, climbed up. We took a breath. And then, as planned, they began to surround the houses on the outskirts. The answer is silence. The bandits were waiting for them on the opposite side. And when they realized it, it was too late. Special forces were entrenched in the houses. While the assault groups were pulling up, the militants hiding in the “greenery” attacked with mortar fire. This is where things really got tough... 12 soldiers were wounded. If a weaker officer had been in Yanklovich’s place, everyone would have washed themselves in blood. And he managed to command and provide medical assistance. He pulled five people out from under the fire and bandaged them...
“They talk a lot about Colonel Budanov now,” reflects Yanklovich. “It is unknown what each of us would have done in his place.” No, I’m not justifying Budanov, you need to control yourself... Everything pointed to the fact that the girl was a sniper. But to see through the enemy, you need cunning and provocation. It was necessary to show operational ingenuity. Russian simplicity is worse than theft. Budanov suffered for her. If there were no selectivity in our judicial power, Russia would have long ago become Switzerland. Agree that the head of the district and the tractor driver will answer differently for one action. And some will escape punishment altogether. The President and Prime Minister constantly say: the law must be equal for everyone. Do you think the cause of ethnic conflicts today is hatred? No matter how it is! The reason is the selectivity of legislation. Our laws are very good, but they are poorly applied.”
…10 September. Hot events in the Kadar zone were nearing their end. That day, Alexander was on the verge of death several times. He talks about this, smiling with his eyes. Like, I'm lucky, they don't take sniper bullets. Only another deep puff of the tenth cigarette reveals feelings. In spirit he is still there, in Kadar hell. It is known today that in the village of Karamakhi there were about 2 thousand members of illegal gangs. And over 200 militants acted against Yanklovich’s 43 fighters. Fivefold superiority! The special forces came under heavy fire more than once, but not a single soldier was killed. There were 19 wounded. The “specialists” who remained in the ranks held the defense in the village for a week. Yanklovich personally conducted anti-sniper sabotage shooting. Free night hunting...
“I personally have many friends among the Chechens,” continues Yanklovich. - At the same time, there were many Russians among the militants. And also Arabs, African Americans, Yemenis, Iranians, Afghans, Uzbeks, Kazakhs. Chechens are the same people as everyone else - no worse, no better. In many things they are even more decent than us. I am not protecting the enemies, because I was on the other side of the trenches. But one day I talked with a prisoner who deliberately went to fight. When the village was bombed, his entire family was killed. After that, he picked up a machine gun. Blood feud, that's how he was raised. Naturally, we are enemies for him. What would you do in such a situation? It’s just that in the Chechen war there were many mistakes on our part, including informational ones. Nobody took into account the Caucasian mentality. How did the first Chechen war end under Tsar Alexander in the 19th century? They gave the leader of the Caucasian highlanders Shamil a reward, and recruited a Circassian battalion to guard the Tsar. Was it difficult for Dudayev to be awarded the rank of Colonel General?”
When trying to capture the next height, Yanklovich led a group of 7 people on an assault. Here a serious ambush awaited them... The meager lines of the award sheet tell about further events: “Having reached enemy positions with a decisive throw, Captain Yanklovich A. Yu. and his subordinates entered into hand-to-hand combat with the bandits, during which the brave officer captured the militant. Having received a bullet wound in the leg, he continued to command the group until the assigned task was completed. Thanks to his initiative and courage, the specified line on the outskirts of Karamakhi was taken, which was a decisive moment in the liberation of the village from illegal armed groups.”
“I never aspired to become a hero. Being an informed realist, I understood that, according to statistics, our heroes are 1 in 40, living to dead. Do you want to be a Hero of Russia after this?.. I just honestly did my job, nothing more.” Boris Yeltsin signed the decree awarding Alexander Yanklovich on December 22, 1999. And on New Year's Eve, the first president of Russia announced that he was tired and was leaving his post. Therefore, in January 2000, in the Kremlin, the award was presented to Yanklovich. O. Head of State Vladimir Putin...
“Combat brotherhood are very serious words. It is impossible to explain to a blind person what the sun is. Also, the average person cannot understand how close friendly feelings arise between people who were at war. You won't break it! People who actually were in the war very rarely remember it. War is scary. Dirt, blood, the limit of human capabilities. This is not something to be proud of. It's a dirty job. But someone has to do it. You just understand, there is such a word - “MUST”. And people who haven’t really seen anything themselves can, as a rule, savor the details...”
Today, every day for Yanklovich is a test of strength, a test of the right to bear the title of Hero of Russia. His father still repeats to him today: “Live by honor and conscience, then everything will work out for you.” Alexander did not fight in the war for awards and titles. It’s not because of the beautiful signs in the office that he still works. Every day is like a decisive battle that you need to win for the sake of a peaceful sky above the heads of those who rely on you. “I’m a happy person,” says Yanklovich. “I go to work with pleasure and go home with even greater joy.” My older children were born between the wars. I didn't really see them. He took his daughter in his arms, and she roared. I forgot my father, who appeared at home between combat missions. It's the same with my son. There were difficult times. Our family received a separate apartment only after I was awarded the Hero Star. But how happy I was when my son Gosha was born in 2008! A week ago, to keep me from going to work, he poured water into my shoes. It's a thrill! With his birth, I became 15 years younger!..”
Alexander Yuryevich Yanklovich was born on October 16, 1972 in the Zubovo-Polyansky village of Yavas. In 1991 he graduated from high school, in 1995 from the St. Petersburg Higher Military Command School of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. In the 1990s, together with a special forces group, he was repeatedly sent to the North Caucasus region. On December 22, 1999 he was awarded the title of Hero of Russia. In 2002, as deputy chief of staff of the detachment, he retired at the age of 29 (!) due to the consequences of his injury. Lives in Saratov. Since 2002 - Chairman of the Saratov Regional Fund for Assistance to Special Forces Veterans. Director of Municipal Unitary Enterprise "Vodostok". Deputy of the Saratov City Duma. Married, has four children.
