Steel Soviet Union

Nearly a year has passed since the farewell to Stalingrad. Zhukov was filled with emotions when he saw Malashenko again before the war was imminent.

"In Moscow, people know your name. Comrade Stalin wrote a commentary and published it in Pravda, calling on all Red Army tank crews to learn from Comrade Malashenko and fight the enemy to the end at all times. Now even seven or eight-year-olds Children all know the story of the tank hero General Malashenko. Congratulations, Malashenko.”

The serious expression on Zhukov's face didn't mean he was lying at all. Malashenko, who was standing at attention and saluting, smiled and then put down his hands.

"Nothing else matters, Comrade Marshal. If more tank heroes can emerge from the motherland, I think we will be able to end this war as soon as possible and drive those evil Fascist scum back to their home base."

Sometimes there is no need to deliberately create a relaxed and pleasant conversation atmosphere. Seeing the smile on Malashenko's face, Zhukov couldn't help but also smiled.

"The legend of a hero cannot be copied, but everyone can use heroes as role models and learn from them."

"We will end this war as soon as possible, Malashenko, take me to see your new troops."

Malashenko nodded with a smile.

"Of course, Comrade Marshal, please come with me."

Before coming to the Stalin Guards 1st Tank Division, Zhukov had already inspected several other main attack forces and implemented the deployment situation in front of the station. Malashenko's Stalin Guards 1st Tank Division was the first one Zhukov visited during this inspection trip. The last stop is of course the finale that Zhukov has been looking forward to the most.

Zhukov wanted to confirm with his own eyes whether Malashenko, who was besieged by three elite SS armored divisions and nearly wiped out his entire army after the Battle of Prokhorovka, had the ability to defeat such an 80% force. All the personnel were newly recruited into the army and pulled together again.

This is not only related to Zhukov's personal evaluation of Malashenko, but also to the success or failure of the entire campaign. If the 1st Stalin Guards Tank Division, which is at the forefront of the platoon and is responsible for tearing apart the enemy's heavy defense line, fails to fight, the follow-up problems that will follow will be quite difficult and troublesome.

The only ones staying with Malashenko's division were the infantry regiment commanded by the newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Varosha, and the heavy tank regiment commanded by Kulbalov.

The Second Regiment, the Third Regiment, and the newly formed Fourth Tank Regiment were not stationed together with the division headquarters, but they were not too far apart, and the straight-line distance was within an hour's drive.

It was Varosha's infantry regiment and Kulbalov's heavy tank regiment that were used for Zhukov's review. These were also the absolute number one main force in Malashenko's hands. Whether it is equipment, personnel training, or combat experience, the quality level is the best in the entire division. It can be said that Malashenko's arrangement was intentional.

"Let me introduce, Comrade Marshal. This is the latest batch of new heavy tanks received by our division. It is the masterpiece of Comrade Kogin, the outstanding heavy tank designer of the motherland. It is called the "Stalin 6" heavy tank in the name of the leader. The latest mass-produced model in the named series of heavy tanks."

Along with Malashenko's explanation, what appeared in front of Zhukov was a whole row of brand-new heavy tanks in a neat formation.

These new heavy tanks, fresh from the factory and without any battle scars, are all painted with snow-white winter camouflage paint. Against the surrounding snowy scenery, they look like dormant winter beasts waiting to be released from their cages.

Accompanied by Malashenko, Zhukov was walking slowly, and the reporters who came to report from the front kept pressing the cameras in their hands to record this extremely precious and rare moment.

The commander and loaders, half of their body standing outside the turret, with their heads held high, slowly moved the focus of their sights towards the direction of the division commander and marshal comrade, staring intently at all times, with an unmistakable look on their faces. They are resolute and courageous, and at the same time, like the steel behemoths beneath them, they are full of intimidation that can make the enemy tremble.

"Marshal, comrades are waiting for your lecture. Say something."

When they almost reached the front of the tank in the center of the single column, Malashenko, who estimated that the fire was almost done, took the initiative to speak and made a suggestion to Comrade Lao Zhu on the side.

Zhukov, who had been walking and inspecting the troops, also accepted Malashenko's suggestion and stopped. Then he turned around and shouted loudly to the troops in front of him that looked intimidating enough. Open your mouth.

"Comrades, the tanks you are equipped with are the best new equipment of our motherland. The battle you are about to face is a battle of complete annihilation against the evil fascist enemies!"

"Your division commander, Major General Malashenko asked me to say something to you. What I want to say is that I have nothing extra to say to you! Unite in the next battle and let your fighting will and advancement The edge is as sharp as the new equipment that accompanies you!"

"Since those fascists want to fight a war of annihilation, well, we will give them a complete war of annihilation! Complete your mission and fight for the motherland, for Stalin, and for victory!"

Zhukov's brief lecture drifted into the ears of everyone present along with the biting cold wind. The accompanying reporters only regretted that they had one less hand and could not record faster. They were afraid that they would miss something and carried it with them. The notepad is full of flying and flying handwriting.

The brief silence and Zhukov's echo did not last long, and what followed was a uniform response like a roaring mountain and a tsunami.

"For Motherland! For Stalin! For victory!"

"Ula—Ula—"

"U-la-"

Witnessing this spectacular scene with his own eyes, Zhukov felt a little more emotional and a little amazed. The answer sheet Malashenko handed him was far more outstanding than he expected, and he returned the favor to the soldiers. Afterwards, Zhukov, who continued to accompany Malashenko, spoke quietly again.

"Well done! Malashenko. You have lived up to my expectations of you. My initial judgment of you two years ago remains correct to this day."

There are few things that are more joyful and uplifting than receiving recognition, and this is no exception even for our old comrade Ma.

"I am extremely happy to be recognized by you, Comrade Marshal. But I hope that you will save your recognition and praise for me until I conquer those fascists. I want to use practical actions to prove that I have not lived up to the All your expectations.”