Red Moscow

"You are right, Comrade Deputy Chief of Staff." Regarding Shtemenko's proposal, Sokov nodded and said: "I will call the two army commanders, Melekhov and Chumakov. .”

"Comrade Sokov, I think the chief of staff, Comrade Smirnov, should execute the orders given to the army commanders." Just as Sokov reached out to pick up the phone, he was stopped by Shtemenko A: "I think I need to talk to you."

Although he didn't know what Shitmenko wanted to talk to him about, Sokov faithfully carried out his order and asked Smirnov to inform Melekhov and Chumakov to gather troops and send troops to Uman's army. The westward movement, according to the original plan, assisted the 18th Guards Army in capturing the two small cities of Hessing and Japlik.

While Smirnov was on the phone, Shtemenko said to him with a serious expression: "Comrade Sokov, I do not deny at all that you have a talent for commanding that surpasses others."

From the tone of Shtemenko's speech, Sokov heard that the matter the other party wanted to talk to him was very important, and he quickly said seriously: "Comrade Deputy Chief of Staff, if you find that I have done something wrong, please feel free to point it out." Come."

"Comrade Sukov, the reason why we restored the military-level organizational system within the group army system is that we hope to reduce the work intensity of the group army chiefs, so that they don't have to personally contact the division commanders under them when deploying tasks. The army commander, and then the army commander conveys the order to each division, brigade or regiment level unit."

Shtemenko looked at Sokov and said solemnly: "As a commander of the group army, what you should do is to control the overall situation, instead of bypassing the commanders and directly assigning combat tasks to the divisions. Your leapfrog command, If there is a conflict with the orders issued by the army commanders, the division commanders below will be confused, and they will not know whose order they should carry out..."

Shtemenko's heartfelt words made Sokov realize that he is indeed not a qualified army commander, and he always makes some low-level mistakes of leapfrog command. If it weren't for his outstanding military exploits, his superiors would have sent someone to replace him. of. He quickly nodded vigorously, and replied: "Comrade Deputy Chief of Staff, you are right, I will pay attention to these issues in the future."

Seeing what he said, Sokov listened to it, and Shtemenko couldn't help nodding, and the expression on his face became a bit more gentle: "Comrade Sokov, according to my personal observation, based on your Your talent will definitely not stop at a small army commander. Maybe one day in the future, you will be able to go further and take up a higher position. The more so, you have to pay more attention to some details, so as not to be fooled by it. Affect your future. Understand?"

"Understood, Comrade Deputy Chief of Staff." Sokov sincerely thanked Shtemenko: "Thank you for teaching me this."

"It's not about teaching." Shtemenko said with a smile: "I'm just telling you this from the perspective of a friend. I hope it can help you in the future."

Just as Sokov was about to thank him again, a staff officer walked in outside and reported to Sokov: "Report to Comrade Commander, General Chumakov, the commander of the 57th Army, is here. He came with him." , and a strange general."

Hearing that there was another general coming with Chumakov, Sokov immediately realized that it was Moskalenko, and quickly ordered the staff: "Hurry up and invite them in!"

A moment later, Chumakov came in with a general. He came to Sokov and raised his hand to salute: "Comrade Commander, I was ordered to bring General Moskalenko!"

Sokov saw clearly that the other party had the same military rank as himself, so he raised his hand to salute the other party first, and said politely: "Hello, General Moskalenko, welcome to my headquarters!"

"Hello, General Sokov." After Moskalenko raised his hand in return, he shook hands with Sokov again. While shaking hands, he said politely and slightly distantly: "I really didn't expect that your troops would take Uman so easily, making it impossible for me to complete the task Zhukov gave me."

When Sokov heard what the other party said, he was taken aback for a moment, and then he understood that Zhukov must have given Moskalenko the task of liberating Uman. But unexpectedly, Sokov's troops acted quickly and captured Uman in advance, completing the task of liberating the city first.

But Sokov heard the dissatisfaction in the other party's tone, and said with a haha: "General Moskalenko, we were able to capture the city so easily because of your assistance."

Seeing the doubts on Moskalenko's face, he continued: "If it wasn't for the troops under your command, which successfully attracted the main force of the German Uman Group and left the city's defenses empty, how could I have liberated Uman so easily? Man? I can say that your troops played a huge role in the battle to liberate Uman."

Sokov's words made Moskalenko happy again: "Comrade Sokov, you are overrated. I think Uman was able to be liberated so quickly because of the joint operations of our two front armies... ..."

"You're quite right, General Moskalenko." Shtemenko, who had remained silent all this time, suddenly said, "Without the coordination of the two front armies, it may not be so easy to liberate Uman."

When Moskalenko entered the door, he saw a general standing beside Sokov. He thought it was only Sokov's chief of staff or military commissar, so he didn't care. Hearing the other party interrupting at this moment, he couldn't help frowning slightly. Just when he was about to criticize the other party, he unexpectedly saw that the speaker was General Shtemenko, the deputy chief of the general staff, and suddenly became flustered.

"Hello, Comrade Deputy Chief of Staff." Moskalenko quickly stood at attention and raised his hand to salute Stemenko: "Excuse me, I didn't see you just now."

"General Moskalenko," Shtemenko said with a smile, reaching out to him, "Congratulations on your return to the 38th Army. I believe your return will surely make those old subordinates ecstatic. "

"You are right, Comrade Deputy Chief of Staff." Moskalenko replied: "When my superiors transferred me to the 40th Army, I really hated these old subordinates. Now I am back in the 38th Army. To be able to fight alongside them again.”

"By the way, Comrade Sokov." Shtemenko suddenly remembered that Sokov had also served as the commander of different army groups, so he turned to ask him: "If the superior transfers you back to the 21st or 27th Army , I think you must be very happy?"

Whether it is the 21st Army or the 27th Army, Sokov has made great achievements in commanding these troops. Hearing what Shtemenko said at this moment, it would be a lie to say that he is not moved. But then I thought about it again: even if I have returned to the 21st or 27th Army now, even if I have returned to the 21st or 27th Army, there must be many familiar subordinates who were either transferred to other units or died in battle. Rather than go back and re-engage with the commanders and fighters below, it is more appropriate to stay in the 53rd Army.

Thinking of this, Sokov laughed dryly and said, "Comrade Deputy Chief of Staff, I think it's good for me to be in the 53rd Army now, and I can also make achievements that can be recorded in the annals of history."

In fact, as soon as Shtemenko said this, he regretted it in his heart. He clearly remembered that Sokov was dismissed from the post of commander of the 27th Army because his life and death were uncertain after being seriously injured. And this heroic unit, after changing to a new commander, its performance on the battlefield can be described as lackluster.

As the deputy chief of staff, he naturally knew that at the meeting of the high command, more than one person proposed to replace the commander of the group army, so as to prevent a unit with great military achievements from being reduced to a second-rate unit. However, since no suitable candidate could be found to take over the post of commander, it could only be shelved temporarily.

Shtemenko was quick-talking for a while, and actually asked Sokov if he would like to return to the old army. If the other party really said that he wanted to go back, how should he answer? Fortunately, what he was worried about did not happen. Sokov offered to stay in the 53rd Army. Stemenko put his heart in his throat and put it back in his stomach.

After Moskalenko and Sokov got acquainted, they began to talk about the purpose of their visit: "General Sokov, now that Uman has been liberated, what is your next battle plan?"

Hearing Moskalenko's question, Sokov couldn't help hesitating for a moment. Although his battle plan has been reported to Marshal Konev, telling the plan to friendly commanders who are not affiliated with each other is considered a leak. Woolen cloth? He turned his questioning eyes to Stemenko, hoping to get useful answers from him.

Shtemenko was puzzled at first, why did Sokov not say anything when Moskalenko asked about the next step? When he saw Sokov's gaze on him, he immediately understood what the other party meant, and nodded slightly, indicating that he could tell him his next plan.

After getting Shtemenko's acquiescence, Sokov no longer had any scruples. He dragged the map spread out on the table between himself and Moskalenko, pointed to the red and blue lines on it, He introduced his next plan: "The next combat mission of our army group is to quickly push to the west of Uman..."

Before he finished speaking, Moskalenko couldn't help but interjected: "Are you going to seize Vinnitsa?"

"No, General Moskalenko." Sokov waved his hands and said, "From the perspective of the distribution of the two front armies, I think it is most appropriate for the comrades of the first front army to liberate Vinnytsia Oblast At this point, Sokov suddenly thought that the general in front of him was a member of the First Front Army, and quickly added: "Vinnitsa is the closest to your defense zone, and you will complete the task of liberating the city. It's the most appropriate."

Moskalenko just hummed, and then urged Sokov: "General Sokov, the liberation of Vinnytsia must be the task of our First Front Army. Tell us about your next plan."

Sokov remembered that in the history books, it was said that Moskalenko was famous for his violent temper. When commanding battles, he was very angry. He not only cursed the enemy, but also was rude to his subordinates. habit. Seeing his performance at this moment, I can't help but have a bad impression of him in my heart.

However, since the opponent wants to know his next battle plan, Sokov naturally wants to continue: "My troops will advance to the west of Haixin and Teplik, and after capturing these two small cities, they will forcefully cross South Burg. River. After completing the operation of crossing the river, control some towns and move some troops to the Transnistria..."

After listening to Sokov's plan, Moskalenko raised his head and asked, "General Sokov, do you think your troops can accomplish such a difficult task?"

Facing Moskalenko's provocative attitude, Sokov felt a little uncomfortable, but in front of Shtemenko, he still gave the other party due respect: "General Moskalenko, I believe that I The subordinates, they must be able to complete such a task."

"Come on, General Sokov." But Moskarenko said disdainfully after hearing this: "Don't look at the 53rd Army that liberated Uman this time, but the combat effectiveness of this army is It is obvious to all. I don't think your troops are capable of successfully crossing the South Bug River. Therefore, I suggest that you better stop your troops and make way for my troops. I have the confidence to command the troops to cross the river. Cross the Nanbug River."

Sokov suddenly became angry for no reason. Uman was captured by my troops and is now advancing westward, but you jumped out halfway and asked my troops to make way for you and your troops to make contributions. Uncle can bear it, auntie I can't stand it.

Just when he was about to attack, he felt someone tugging on his sleeve, and when he turned his head, it turned out to be Stemenko. Seeing Shtemenko, Sukov's anger was extinguished by most of it. He also has Shtemenko as the representative of the base camp. He is the deputy chief of staff. He can not only command you and me, but also Zhukov and Kone. Husband also let him three points. For this kind of negotiation, it is enough for him to come forward.

"Comrade Moskalenko, I don't think you're right." Shtemenko said slowly: "Before taking the entire city, Sokov sent troops westward to capture Hessing and Teplik. If If nothing else, the vanguard might be outside these two cities, fighting the Germans.

Let them make way for you, how to make way? Order the troops to stop the attack, and make way for you after withdrawing from the battle. Is that what you mean, General Moskalenko? "

The task Moskalenko received this time was to lead his troops to capture Uman, continue to advance westward, liberate the two cities on the left bank of the South Bug River, forcefully cross the South Bug River, and establish a landing site on the left bank. But because Sokov's troops occupied Uman first, it completely disrupted his battle plan.

In order to reverse the disadvantage he was in, he ordered Sokov to make way for him almost without thinking. Not only was Sokov not used to his fault, but even Shtemenko also allowed him to take credit.

"Comrade Deputy Chief of Staff," Seeing that Shtemenko actually spoke for Sokov, Moskalenko immediately realized that he had said something wrong, and quickly explained: "You misunderstood, the battle Marshal Zhukov arranged for me The task is to continue to advance westward after capturing Uman, wipe out the enemies on the left bank, and then forcibly cross the Nanbug River, and establish a stable landing field on the right bank to receive the main force to cross the river."

"General Moskalenko, you don't need to talk about it." Shtemenko waved his hand at him and said, "The situation on the battlefield is always changing rapidly. As a senior commander, you must know how to respond to changes in the battlefield situation. To adjust the combat deployment. Now that Uman is liberated by the 53rd Army, you can send troops to take over the city, but I think you can cancel the plan to advance westward.”

After saying this, Seeing that Moskalenko opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, Shtemenko raised his hand to interrupt him, and said domineeringly: "This matter is settled like this, if there is any problem , You can ask Marshal Zhukov to come to me directly for a theory."