Steel Soviet Union

The first batch of T-43 medium tanks produced, together with the new T3485 medium tanks equipped with an 85mm D-5T tank gun, were officially delivered. ₆₉ₛₕᵤₓ.cₒₘ

In line with the principle of giving priority to elite Guards units with good equipment, only two units received this batch of brand-new tanks.

One of them is the Stalin Guards 1st Tank Division commanded by our Comrade Lao Ma.

And sending these new medium tanks to Malashenko does have some meaning in cooperating with the new heavy tanks and testing the running-in of the new equipment. If there are any potential problems, they can be discovered as early as possible to avoid procrastinating the problem until it becomes too big to solve in the future.

Another unit that received a new medium tank is also very famous, and it is the unit of another "tank hero" Katukov.

Because of the arrival of Malashenko, the performance of Katukov's troops in this timeline is more or less overshadowed.

Compared with the main medium tanks that are heavily equipped, the heavy tanks, which are powerful and domineering, relatively rare in number but have a more important role, are indeed more popular in publicity and more inspiring and morale.

Another more important reason is the personal preference of the loving father Comrade Stalin.

As we all know, Comrade Stalin liked "big" things, the bigger the better.

The caliber of the cannon must be large enough, the size of the warship must be large enough, and the large aircraft in the sky must be large enough. However, the military industry did not work hard and the useless Pei-8 came out in disgrace. Comrade Stalin was greatly disappointed. The large aircraft was We can only put things on hold for the time being and wait until the war is won.

As for the tanks on the ground, Comrade Stalin also likes "big ones" in terms of personal preference.

Compared with the little T34s commanded by Katukov, Malashenko, a small-scale iron bastard, was more appetizing to Comrade Stalin. Even the tanks he used were named after him. Such a unit fought Winning a battle just sounds like a good deal and is quite festive.

This is also one of the main reasons why the loving father Comrade Stalin gave the honorary title named after himself to Malashenko instead of other troops.

The leader's personal preferences can indeed sometimes determine a lot of things, not to mention that this was still the Stalin period when there were many controversies in later generations.

As for the newly delivered medium tanks, Malashenko finalized what he thought was an appropriate arrangement after careful consideration.

The establishment of the army is constantly expanding, and the battlefield role and important role it plays are also constantly rising. Malashenko can no longer command a heavily armed force of pure heavy tanks to gallop on the battlefield as before. The integration and diversification of multi-model technical equipment is imperative, and equipping medium tanks is part of it.

"I plan to deploy these medium tanks to all four regiments to fight with the heavy tanks."

"Now we have enough light reconnaissance tanks to perform missions. These medium tanks have good firepower, moderate protection, and better mobility than heavy tanks. They can just fill the gap as an intermediate role."

"When direct heavy fire support is needed but heavy tanks cannot arrive quickly, let these medium tanks appear where they should appear in time and persist until the heavy tanks arrive. Or they can be used as a defense against light reconnaissance tanks. Fire support units are also very effective when seizing key locations and encircling enemies. What do you think?”

Malashenko finalized the method of use as a division commander based on his later experience in the cooperation tactics of medium and heavy tanks. However, the above words were spoken to Commissar Petrov in a tone of discussion rather than an order.

Rather than imposing mandatory orders, Malashenko hopes to gain the understanding and support of Political Commissar Petrov.

Orders can direct people, but they cannot unite them, even among comrades.

Looking at the usage concept that Malashenko sketched out with a pencil on the telegraph newspaper in front of him, Commissar Petrov, who had been looking pretty good recently, smiled.

"Do you remember what you said to me in Stalingrad?"

"Stalingrad?"

Malashenko, who had just finished drawing the tank logo with a pencil in his hand, was startled. He suddenly asked which song he was singing about something so long ago?

"I don't remember. I said so many things about Stalingrad. How do I know which one you are referring to?"

Political Commissar Petrov expected Malashenko's answer and smiled faintly right after.

"I almost fell. German artillery fire exploded outside the building around us. You rushed up and carried me on your back. I asked you to put me down and I could walk on my own. At that time, you said, "Young Master nonsense! As soon as the gun fires, the whole regiment must listen to me! I am the military commander! "Don't you remember?"

As soon as Commissar Petrov said these words, it was Malashenko who was embarrassed.

"Uh this"

"Did I really say that?"

Political Commissar Petrov said nothing, just kept smiling and continued to look at Malashenko.

"Well, it seems I did say that."

Comrade Political Commissar nodded.

"That's right. Always remember that you are the military commander. You should not let other people's words affect your own judgment. Brainstorming is a good thing, but what is more terrible is indecision and hesitation. It is you who should make the decision. It’s time to believe in yourself. After this journey, I believe you have the ability to make correct judgments.”

"Even if one day I am gone and you need to walk alone in the future, you must remember this. Before you can let others believe in you and you can be worthy of the trust that others have entrusted to you, you must first Believe in yourself and don’t let hesitation and hesitation influence your judgment.”

Political Commissar Petrov has always been not only Malashenko's partner, but also existed and accompanied him as a mentor, guide, reliable comrade, and even as a father-like figure.

Political Commissar Petrov was gratified and happy to be able to witness Malashenko's growth step by step without losing himself in the flames of war.

All this has reached an unspeakable level for Malashenko. If you can find the closest word to describe it, it is what Malashenko once said to Lavrinenko himself.

"You can always trust Comrade Political Commissar."

The final preparations before the war were completed. Malashenko, who once again went to the front army headquarters to receive the final combat order, returned to his forward headquarters as scheduled.

Everything is ready. The 1st Stalin Guards Tank Division, which is armed to the teeth with a large number of new equipment, will become the first mourner to ring the death knell for the German army surrounded by steel.