Steel Soviet Union

Regarding the fact that Malashenko and Lavrinenko are classmates and old acquaintances, this tank veteran, who had previously participated in the Soviet military operations against Poland, was recruited into the newly formed 1st Heavy Tank Breakthrough Battalion of the Western Front. The coordination department was actually unaware of this.

After all, according to Rokossovsky's original plan, the first principle was to recruit all skilled tank crews with combat experience to join the newly formed 1st Heavy Tank Breakthrough Battalion. As a skilled tank commander who had participated in the Soviet military operations against Poland earlier, Lavrinenko, who had been promoted to captain and company commander, was naturally among the candidates.

By chance, he met the great-grandfather of his old classmate before time travel. The magic of fate was probably the same for Malashenko at this moment.

After having a brief chat with his old classmate and comrade-in-arms based on the details in his mind, Malashenko, who was sighing at the magic of fate in his heart, then shifted the focus of the topic to the military and continued to speak.

"Is there any position arrangement for your superiors when they transfer you to join the 1st Heavy Tank Breakthrough Battalion this time? Lavry. Don't tell me they just threw you here as an ordinary tank commander."

After hearing the question from Malashenko, he smiled calmly. Lavrinenko, who was not dissatisfied with the position assigned to him by his superiors, quickly responded.

"My superiors transferred me here this time because they want me to serve as the commander of a tank company under your command. There are only a handful of surviving tank company commanders in the entire Western Front with sufficient ability and experience. Otherwise, I would like this new formation It’s probably not my turn to be the commander of a tank company in an elite unit.”

It's not your turn to be the one? Brother, you are recognized by later generations as the number one tank ace of the Soviet Army in World War II. If you don’t have the ability to be a tank ace, shouldn’t I be laid off?

While secretly complaining in his heart, he had nothing to say about Lavrinenko's modesty. Malashenko, who shook his head and smiled helplessly, had no choice but to bring the topic back to the right track again.

"Speaking of which, Lavry. I still lack a deputy by my side. I alone cannot command such a large heavy armored battalion. If you are interested, I can recommend you to Comrade Rokossovsky. Come and serve as the deputy battalion commander. With your help, my follow-up work should be much easier."

In fact, the reason why Malashenko asked Lavrinenko to serve as his deputy is now. Firstly, it is because Malashenko himself, who has traveled from later generations, has a very clear understanding of Lavrinenko's outstanding and excellent tank command skills, so this old classmate and comrade-in-arms who has a close personal relationship with him comes to Serving as his deputy is the best choice, both emotionally and rationally.

Secondly, Lavrinenko, who was recognized by later generations as the Soviet army's number one tank ace, had an unknown side.

In the first half year of the Great Patriotic War, Lavrinenko, who had a record of destroying 52 German tanks as a captain tank company commander, was undoubtedly proud and eager to win more honors.

But it was this small flaw that was not even a shortcoming in ordinary people, but it became the final break in Lavrinenko's life in the battle with the German army, which was the strongest army in the world at the same time.

On December 18, 1941, he destroyed the 52nd and last German tank in his life in a battle near the village of Goreuni. Lavrinenko, who was in a state of excitement, immediately left the tank and jumped out of the vehicle just after the battle and before he even had time to clean up the battlefield, preparing to go and report the results to his superiors.

It is precisely because of this seemingly inconspicuous weakness of eagerness for quick success that Lavrinenko, who was passing through an uncleaned battlefield on foot, unfortunately strayed into a minefield. A generation of Soviet tank aces died under anti-infantry mines. Rather than in his own tank.

But even so, Lavrinenko's record of destroying 52 German tanks in less than half a year after the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War is enough to be considered unprecedented and unprecedented among the entire Soviet tank force. .

Until the Great Patriotic War ended with the Soviet victory after capturing Berlin in 1945, Lavrinenko's record of destroying 52 German tanks in less than half a year was still unparalleled among the entire Red Army and even the Allied forces. Can be broken. It is simply difficult to achieve a record of 52 kills from the German armored forces, which are the most elite armored forces in the world, but Lavrinenko is undoubtedly the creator of such a mythical record.

When I think about myself, a little butterfly who came from time-travel, if I don't flap my wings a little with my own ability, Lavrinenko, who is as young and eager for quick success and quick success as himself, will definitely still be unable to avoid the ultimate fate of being struck by lightning and killed.

Thinking of this, Malashenko, who was shaking his head secretly, finally made the first decision that could change history since coming to this strange world.

With his dull expression, he did not expect that Malashenko, his old classmate and comrade-in-arms, would actually make such a decision that he would serve as his deputy.

After being slightly surprised, Lavrinenko quickly returned to normal thinking. When he thought that he had the opportunity to serve as the deputy of this newly formed elite heavy armor battalion, Lavrinenko's complex eyes were filled with gratitude and excitement. He immediately pulled Malashenko in front of him into his arms with a bear hug.

"I don't know how to express my gratitude to you, Malashenko. I mean, yes, I would love to try this position again."

Although he has long been familiar with the tragic death of Lavrinenko, a short-lived ace, due to his shortcomings of being too quick and quick, and knowing that his old classmate has an indescribable obsession with military glory and opportunities for upward advancement, Malashenko still I was a little breathless by Lavrinenko's sudden enthusiasm and gratitude.

"I understand what you mean, Lavery. But can you please let me go before thanking me? I'm a little out of breath."

Realizing that his impulsive act had caused some trouble to Malashenko, Lavrinenko released his bear-hugging arms but continued to pat Malashenko on the shoulder and chat happily.

Following Malashenko's newspaper just half an hour later, Rokossovsky, who was too busy with war preparations and had no intention of paying attention to the deputy candidate of the newly established heavy tank breakthrough battalion, simply believed in Malashenko. Rashenko's idea immediately approved Malashenko's request in large batches.

It is worth mentioning that for unknown reasons, Rokossovsky, as the direct commander of the newly established heavy tank breakthrough battalion, did not assign a partner political commissar to Malashenko.

As for the reasons for this, we have to leave it to our puzzled Comrade Malashenko to consider.