Steel Soviet Union

"Are you serious? Is this Malashenko? I think he looks more like he ran away from a prisoner of war camp. I didn't mean to humiliate him, it just looks like him."

"Hush! Shut your stinky mouth! Has Comrade Stalin, the leader, read your name? Do you really not know his story or are you here seeking death or just pretending to be stupid? Pravda has published his photos in dozens of issues. Don't tell me you haven't read a single issue! Others will call you a traitor who has been bribed by the Germans."

"Why are you so serious? I was just talking casually."

"Oh, shut your stinky mouth! Now!"

""

Malashenko did not hear these rare whispers coming from the corner, and neither did Chuikov.

Of course, even if Malashenko really heard it, he would not blame the other party, let alone take the opportunity to attack to regain face.

Because compared to these staff officers and officers who are at least neatly dressed and somewhat bright, he really looks like a beggar on the street in the 21st century among white-collar workers begging for food. He knows that his appearance now makes him look like a beggar. Of course I don't care how miserable it looks when I go up there.

To be honest, Chuikov felt a little surprised when he saw the sloppy appearance of Malashenko in front of him.

Chuikov always felt that with Malashenko's appearance, his position and age, he should pay more attention to his personal image, at least he would not report to the Army Headquarters with this appearance.

But obviously, Chuikov miscalculated the extent of Malashenko's "shamelessness".

If he hadn't listened to Commissar Petrov's suggestion that day and changed into regular clothes that he hadn't worn for a long time to visit the wounded, then Malashenko would have worn this combat uniform for almost two months without taking it off until today. pass.

As for whether it has been washed, there is no need to ask. If you ask, it means it has not been washed. When the clothes were washed, Malashenko asked himself that he still wanted to sleep for a while. The German armor-piercing bullets will not cause your clothes to be smelly. The baby will just walk around you, there is no need to wash it at all.

No matter what, Malashenko is a hero who led the First Guards Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment to guard the strategic choke point of the railway station. Such informal things as sloppy were thrown into the trash can by Chuikov in just a moment. inside.

"You did a good job, Malashenko. I will personally report the results of the First Guards Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment to the Front Army Headquarters and apply for a commendation for you! This is an honor you have earned."

To Chuikov's surprise, Malashenko did not show too much joy at these words of encouragement and praise, and could even be said to have a calm expression.

Before Chuikov had time to consider why Malashenko was so calm, Malashenko, who still had no change in his expression, spoke first.

"Commendations and honors belong to those fallen heroes, Comrade Commander. I lost a comrade who was very important to me at the train station. The five of us had made an agreement to live together until we witnessed the red flag of victory. The day that struck the Kraut's evil heart, but one person will never be able to witness it."

""

The sudden and unexpected words made Chuikov, who was not expecting it, not sure how to reply for a moment. Malashenko, who continued to speak after a short pause, also took out an envelope that contained a lot of things and seemed to be quite heavy. The hands were handed to Chuikov.

"He died to save me, but I couldn't leave any of his belongings, not even his identification."

"I searched everywhere he might have left his belongings, and I only found this pocket watch that he had always carried with him. Maybe he forgot to bring it with him that day before I finally found it, but I think this is a great blessing to him and his family. It must have a very special meaning.”

"I apply for a belated and well-deserved honor in my name. I hope you will accept this envelope, Comrade Commander, and then pass this along with everything he has won to his loved ones."

Chuikov did not expect that Malashenko would make such a request at such a time.

But from Malashenko's eyes, Chuikov could indeed read an unusual sadness. It was an expression that would only be revealed with tears when a loved one passed away, but it seemed that he had been forcing himself to suppress his emotions. Rashenko did not reveal the latter.

Everything was carefully sealed by Malashenko into this small envelope. As long as Chuikov opened it, he would know what he should do next. Of course, at this moment, Chuikov also felt that it was very necessary for him to accept it. this envelope.

"I understand, Comrade Malashenko, I will hand this envelope to where it belongs."

The envelope containing Nikolai's last story and relics was always carried by Malashenko.

Malashenko originally wanted to find an opportunity to hand it over to Zhukov.

But after witnessing a series of tragic battles and bloody strangulations, Malashenko was no longer sure he would live to see Zhukov again. Every minute and every second in the hellish killing city of Stalingrad is a possibility of death, and Malashenko, who has traveled through the soul but is still a mortal body, is no exception.

While he is still alive, he must fight for everything he deserves for the most ordinary but extraordinary soldier who is loyal to his ideals and oaths and who sacrifices his life for his comrades, so that his name will not be completely wiped out in the long river of history. To be forgotten by future generations is the only thing Malashenko can do and must do with his own hands.

The living have inherited what the departed have left unfinished and tried their best to protect. The beauty of tomorrow requires tomorrow's victims and those still alive today to be prepared to complete it.

"Malashenko, I plan to have your First Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment of the Guards immediately participate in tomorrow's battle. The attack position will be placed at the most important breakthrough point to act as a forward. The specific situation of the entire Mamayev Hills is like yours Seen on the map, I want to hear your opinion."

Malashenko had already guessed what Chuikov was planning to do by transferring him to Mamayev Heights, and the comparison chart between the enemy and ourselves on the table came into view early and was analyzed in advance.

Contrary to Chuikov's expectations, Malashenko's next answer was indeed an unconventional one.

"I don't have any complicated opinions, Comrade Commander. I think we will definitely win tomorrow. We can crush the group of Germans guarding the top of the mountain into pulp before the Germans from a few blocks around come to help. Then we can Let’s consider the specifics of how to defend Mamayev Heights next.”