Steel Soviet Union

Looking at the energetic young men in front of him, Rokossovsky nodded slightly and was quite satisfied, and then waved gently in return.

"Welcome, boys! Do you have any ideas about being ordered to go to the Smolensk front line to participate in the battle this time, Comrade Malashenko?"

"Uh, if you have an idea"

After being asked like this by Rokossovsky, Malashenko suddenly felt something bad in his heart, but after thinking about it, he couldn't think of any place where he might reveal his fear and dissatisfaction. It was probably this. Malashenko, who Rokossovsky was joking with, made up his mind and then spoke firmly again.

"Comrade Commander, I have no idea! A soldier's bounden duty is to obey orders, and I am here to kill more Nazi invaders. Tank Major Malashenko is at your disposal at any time!"

After hearing these firm words that were both expected and high-spirited, he still couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. Rokossovsky, who had already organized the relevant words in his mind, continued to speak.

"It is very rare to have such a strong will and belief, Major Malashenko."

"This time it was my idea to transfer you to the Western Front to join the Battle of Smolensk. We need a more powerful tank unit to fight against those German armored divisions. To this end, I plan to set up a force directly under the command of the group army. The heavy armored force, but I couldn’t find a good solution to the problem of commander selection.”

After stating his purpose and plan straight to the point to Malashenko in front of him, Rokossovsky paused for a moment. After always watching the expression on Malashenko's face and finding that there was nothing unusual, Rokossovsky continued. .

"Those who are capable of taking on this important task have been placed in more important positions. Those who intend to compete for this position seem to me to be lacking in all aspects. After thinking about it, I finally thought of you, Malashin. division."

"Uh me?"

Seeing Malashenko's expression of disbelief and astonishment after hearing the news, Rokossovsky, who had expected everything, then smiled lightly.

"When it comes to commanding a tank unit to charge into the battle and engage in a head-on battle with the German armored divisions, you are the most suitable candidate in my mind."

"In the battle from Lutsk to Brod, I saw the tactics and formations used by the armored company you commanded when attacking the German positions with binoculars from behind. I have to say that as a commander during that attack You performed very well, Major Malashenko, and the defeat of the battle cannot be blamed on you, the field commander."

"In addition, you commanded half a battalion of infantry and four T34 tanks in a small village at the junction with the 131st Motorized Infantry Division, and almost annihilated an entire German mechanized battle group. I also received a report from Political Commissar Petrov. ”

After speaking softly, he immediately took out the small box that had been prepared for him from his right pocket. Rokossovsky, who took out the item in it, took a step forward and put it on with his own hands. It reached Malashenko's chest.

"Your courage, belief and outstanding command ability are worthy of recognition, Major Malashenko! You are well-deserved for this Order of the Red Banner!"

As the words in Rokossovsky's mouth gradually faded, he lowered his head and saw the Red Flag Medal embedded in his chest. Malashenko was shocked when he realized what the scene just meant. Unbelievable.

"Wait a minute, does this mean the medal that Rokossovsky personally awarded me just now? Damn it, why don't you have a camera or video camera on hand to record this historic scene!? What a big loss, you idiot! "

With great excitement in his heart, he immediately raised his right arm again and gave Rokossovsky a solemn military salute in front of him after the medal was awarded. The enthusiastic Malashenko almost blinked and changed his mind. All the unhappiness that was held in his heart was left behind.

"In addition, Major Malashenko. The specific arrangement for your transfer this time is to make you serve as the commander of the newly formed heavy tank breakthrough battalion under the group army. As mentioned just now, this is a force directly under the group army headquarters. Separate command and dispatch of special forces."

After finishing his words, Rokossovsky, who did not report any further inquiries to Malashenko, immediately turned his head and signaled, and a tank captain who had been waiting aside for a long time took a step forward.

"Major Malashenko, let me introduce you. This is Captain Karamov. He and his field maintenance company are the most elite field maintenance troops in the entire Western Front."

"In many previous Western steppe exercises, Captain Karamov and his men have always been the most outstanding performers in the entire front army. Just like your commanding art when commanding tanks, Major Malashenko, Karamov Captain Mov is the most outstanding talent among our Red Army tank troops in terms of field maintenance and tank preparation."

After hearing Rokossovsky's brief introduction, he couldn't help but be slightly stunned. Malashenko, who almost instantly understood the specific intention of Rokossovsky's behavior, had not had time to speak. The man named Kara But Mov's captain took the first step and raised his arm towards Malashenko in front of him.

"Hello, Major Malashenko. The T34 tank No. 177 under your command and your achievements have long been famous. It is my honor to work with a hero like you!"

Seeing the captain in front of him, whose face was full of admiration for him, raising his hands and saluting him, Malashenko, who heard the adjective "the most elite" from Rokossovsky, couldn't help but feel the same He paid respect to the young captain in front of him who was already over thirty years old.

"Thank you. Nice to meet you, Captain Karamov! I hope we can cooperate happily and seamlessly in future battles."

Seeing that the two people who had been entrusted with important tasks in front of him got along quite well after their first meeting, Rokossovsky, who was the commander of the newly formed 16th Army and did not have much free time to continue chatting. Then he spoke again.

"The independent 1st Heavy Tank Breakthrough Battalion is stationed on the outskirts of Yartevo. Some relevant equipment and personnel are already in place and waiting there. Captain Karamov will take you there to take over the relevant work. If you encounter any problems, you can Report it directly to me, Comrade Malashenko.”

Half an hour later, when Malashenko followed Karamov's direction, he arrived at the station where he took office and saw the "new vehicle" carefully prepared for him by Captain Karamov. , that expression that almost dropped his chin to his feet was undoubtedly the most realistic portrayal of what Malashenko was thinking at this time.