I already wrote about this person but several years ago)))
Two time Hero of SU. Fought from private to sinior officer as a common soldat, zampolit to comander of Red Banner Baltic Fleet special recon unit.
He arranged very brave actions aganst Germans and met Victory Day in Norway.
Second timr he became hero of USSR in Korea fighting against Japaneese. 140 Russian solddats were dropped in Vonsan and captured 3500 Japaneeese soldaten.
"We were 140 soldiers - says Leonov. - We are suddenly landed on the the enemy Japanese airfield and entered into negotiations. After that, we, ten representatives were taken to the headquarters of the colonel, commander of the aircraft, which would make us hostages.
I joined the conversation then, when I felt that you are with us representatives of the command of Captain 3rd rank Kulebyakina what is called drained … Looking into the eyes of the Japanese, I said that we fought the entire war in the west and have enough experience to assess the situation, that we will not be held hostage, and it is better to die, but die with all who are in the headquarters. The difference is that I added that you will die like rats, and we will try to get out of here … Hero of the Soviet Union Mitya Sokolov once stood behind the Japanese colonel, the other also knew their business. Wheat closed the door, put the key in his pocket and sat on a chair, a hero Olyashev Volodya (after the war - Honored Master of Sports, repeated champion of the Union on cross country skiing) raised Andrew with his chair and placed directly in front of the Japanese commander. Ivan Guznenkov went to the window and announced that we are not high, and the Hero of the Soviet Union Semyon Agafonov, standing at the door, and began to toss in a hand antitank grenade. The Japanese, however, did not know what fuse in it. Colonel, forgetting about the headscarf, began to wipe the sweat from his forehead with his hand and some time later signed the instrument of surrender of the garrison.
Built three and a half thousand prisoners in a convoy of eight people. All my teams they played already running. To escort a convoy, we had none, then the commander and chief of staff, I sat with him in the car. If at least one, say, run away - blame yourself … Yet led the team, it was already up to five thousand Japanese …
I already wrote about this person but several years ago)))
Two time Hero of SU. Fought from private to sinior officer as a common soldat, zampolit to comander of Red Banner Baltic Fleet special recon unit.
He arranged very brave actions aganst Germans and met Victory Day in Norway.
Second timr he became hero of USSR in Korea fighting against Japaneese. 140 Russian solddats were dropped in Vonsan and captured 3500 Japaneeese soldaten.
"We were 140 soldiers - says Leonov. - We are suddenly landed on the the enemy Japanese airfield and entered into negotiations. After that, we, ten representatives were taken to the headquarters of the colonel, commander of the aircraft, which would make us hostages.
I joined the conversation then, when I felt that you are with us representatives of the command of Captain 3rd rank Kulebyakina what is called drained … Looking into the eyes of the Japanese, I said that we fought the entire war in the west and have enough experience to assess the situation, that we will not be held hostage, and it is better to die, but die with all who are in the headquarters. The difference is that I added that you will die like rats, and we will try to get out of here … Hero of the Soviet Union Mitya Sokolov once stood behind the Japanese colonel, the other also knew their business. Wheat closed the door, put the key in his pocket and sat on a chair, a hero Olyashev Volodya (after the war - Honored Master of Sports, repeated champion of the Union on cross country skiing) raised Andrew with his chair and placed directly in front of the Japanese commander. Ivan Guznenkov went to the window and announced that we are not high, and the Hero of the Soviet Union Semyon Agafonov, standing at the door, and began to toss in a hand antitank grenade. The Japanese, however, did not know what fuse in it. Colonel, forgetting about the headscarf, began to wipe the sweat from his forehead with his hand and some time later signed the instrument of surrender of the garrison.
Built three and a half thousand prisoners in a convoy of eight people. All my teams they played already running. To escort a convoy, we had none, then the commander and chief of staff, I sat with him in the car. If at least one, say, run away - blame yourself … Yet led the team, it was already up to five thousand Japanese …[/QUOTE]
I never heard about Victor Leonov. But the heros I remember were Alexander Matrosov and Zoja Kosmedemiankaja. The role of the Red Army in the outcome of WWII is well known. Stalingrad was just as important as the D day.
Ludwik Kowalski (see Wikipedia)
I suppose most of russians never head about him. It`s great pitty that in Russia most heroes receeive their decorations only after death.
Sad but true, comride…
I’ve never heard of him too. Shame for me. And thanks for the thread…
My personal hero was Alexander Gorovec
What was Semyon Agafonov rank during the Soviet invasion of Korea? By the way, I’m writing a book on the subject…
Semyon Agafonov’s naval rank since 1944 till his demobilisation in 1948 was “starshina pervos stati” that is equal to the “sergeant major” in infantry.
BTW i’ve downloaded the rare photo of Semyon with sniper rifle. Taken from a original book of Victor Leovov 'Lessons of courage". You may download a book( in russian) for free here