Red Moscow

Although the 15th Tank Army was wiped out because of the commander's unauthorized actions, their assault successfully disrupted the unified command of the German army and put the three divisions of the German army in a situation where they were fighting on their own. It was under such circumstances that with tens of thousands of commanders and fighters, they successfully jumped out of the encirclement of the German army.

Knowing that Rybalko had successfully jumped out of the encirclement of the German army, Zhukov, who was far away in Luhansk, finally breathed a sigh of relief. He said to Sokov: "Misha, fortunately, the plan you proposed is effective. Let the tank army storm the town of Varki and drive the enemy's headquarters out of the town, causing the enemy to lose their unity for a long time. command."

"However, Comrade General." Sokov said with regret on his face: "If the commander of the 15th Tank Corps can resolutely obey the order of General Rybalko after completing the mission and mobilize the troops to go north in time, then our army will succeed. The chances of breaking out will be higher."

"It is already a remarkable victory for tens of thousands of people to successfully break through." But Zhukov was obviously very satisfied with this situation. What arrived was the news of the destruction of the entire Rybarco Tank Army."

"By the way, I heard that you recently trained new recruits in the city." Zhukov asked curiously, "How is the performance of the new recruits satisfying you?"

"Yes, Comrade General." Whether in or outside the city, all the troops near Luhansk are under his own jurisdiction. Naturally, Sokov can't speak ill of them, so he can only say ideally: "The performance is very good, even if the Soldiers don't get panicked when bullets fly over their heads."

When Sokov said this, he did not tell Zhukov that he had some recruits hide in the trenches behind the targets to experience the feeling of bullets flying overhead. If they act panicked and jump up to run as the bullets fly overhead, they are in danger of being hit by the bullets.

"I have been staying here for a long time. It seems that even if the German army regains Kharkov and Belgorod, I am afraid that they will not attack Lugansk in a short time." Zhukov gently Sighing deeply, he said, "The plane that will take me back to Moscow in the afternoon is about to arrive. Let me say goodbye to you first, so as not to leave in a hurry and miss you when I get there."

Knowing that Zhukov was about to leave, Sokov still felt very disappointed. He said with regret on his face: "Comrade General, this is really a pity. I have always wanted to fight the Germans under your command. But now it seems that my wish may not be realized."

"Don't worry, Misha." Zhukov waved his hand at Sokov and said, "According to my judgment, this war will last at least two years, maybe one day I will be sent to the front as a representative of the headquarters Then, I will have the opportunity to command you to fight."

In the afternoon, the plane flying from Moscow landed in an open space not far from the headquarters.

The general who came to greet Zhukov immediately raised his hand to salute after seeing Zhukov, and said excitedly: "Comrade Zhukov, please accept my congratulations."

"Congratulations?" Zhukov looked at the other party and asked puzzledly: "General Bedikov, I don't understand. Is there anything worthy of your congratulations?"

"Before I set off, I just heard the news. You have been officially promoted to the rank of Marshal." General Bedikov said excitedly: "Marshal Zhukov, please allow me to congratulate you."

Zhukov was officially promoted to marshal. Although it was almost two months later than in real history, he became the marshal of the Soviet Union. After all, this is something worth celebrating. Sokov quickly ordered someone to bring a bottle of vodka, filled it up for every commander present, and celebrated Zhukov's promotion together.

After toasting Zhukov, Bedikov turned to Sokov again, took out a document from his satchel, handed it to Sokov, smiled and said: "Major General Sokov, this is your promotion order. At the same time, all the commanders and fighters of the former 41st Guards Division have been promoted to the rank of one rank in recognition of your heroism and achievements in the battle to defend Stalingrad."

Sokov took the document in the other party's hand, and in accordance with the regulations, he replied loudly: "Serve the Soviet motherland!"

Hearing that Sokov was promoted to major general, the commanders and fighters in the command immediately cheered louder than they had just celebrated Zhukov's promotion to marshal. In any case, no matter how high Zhukov's military rank is, it has little to do with them, but Sokov is different. He is the commander of the Guards Division. His promotion is not only his personal glory, but also the honor of the entire Guards Division. What's more, in the order of the superior, it was specifically emphasized that all the commanders and fighters of the 41st Guards Division had been raised to a rank as a whole. This is exciting and good news.

"Comrade Commander, please accept my congratulations." Sidolin walked up to Sokov, stretched out his hand to him, and said sincerely, "Congratulations on becoming the first general in our Guards Division."

Hearing what Sidolin said, Sokov couldn't help thinking of Colonel Ivanov, the deputy division commander who died not long ago. If he was still alive, he might be a general. He held Sidolin's hand and said with a smile on his face: "Chief Sidolin, please accept my congratulations on being promoted to colonel."

After the two men let go of their hands, Sokov suddenly thought of a question, and asked Bedikov: "Comrade General, I would like to ask, has Colonel Witkov, the chief of staff of my group, also been promoted?"

"No." Bedikov seemed to be familiar with the people around Sokov, and replied without hesitation: "Don't say that Colonel Vitkov has not been promoted, even your current partner, Colonel Bely, has not been promoted either. Seeing that Sokov opened his mouth as if he wanted to ask something, he quickly waved his hand and said first, "General Sokov, don't ask me about this, I'm just a person who conveys orders. Who will be promoted depends on who It was decided by the Supreme Command."

Vitkov, who was standing by the side, was a little disappointed when he learned that this promotion had nothing to do with him. But he still reached out his hand to Sokov, pretending to be generous and said: "Comrade commander, please accept my congratulations. After you become a general, commanding troops will become more legitimate."

"Comrade Marshal," Bedikov looked at his watch, and said respectfully to Zhukov, "It's getting late, we should set off."

Zhukov nodded, then walked up to Sokov, held out his hand and shook me, and said with a smile: "Misha, since you are already a general, you must behave well. I hope to hear from you soon. A new feat has been established."

"Don't worry, Comrade Marshal." Sokov replied with a smile, "I won't let you down."