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1. Childhood and Youth

2. Frock under blouse
3. Crossing
4. The first battle
5. Buried alive
6. Not taking breath
7. On the day of calm
8. Become a sniper
9. First Steps
10. A difficult position
11. Locate a sniper!
12. When you can not rush
13. Sky Soldiers
14. My concern
15. Confidence
16. Grievances
17. Tyurin and Khabibulin
18. Outrights
19. Serve the Soviet Union
Contents • The "War Books" • Memoirs
1. Childhood and Youth
Everyone remembers his childhood, telling him who bitterly those with tender emotion and pride
- this is what I have childhood! - But I never have heard of defining the boundaries of childhood.
Do not remember me. Why? Probably because the first initial step in childhood has been
neosmyslenno and he did not leave any traces in the memory, and withdrawal from it in youth
carried imperceptibly with the load is not very meaningful, but the usual children's attitudes to
life. Do not say nothing - «Adult Children». At what age did call them so - hard to say if each of
them did not recognize, at least to himself, that has earned such praise, fortunately, not in
twenty, and ten or twelve years. There are, of course, children and postarshe twenty years, but
such a childhood are unlikely to properly proud.
In my memory of childhood is marked by Andrew's grandfather, who took me with him to hunt,
they handed me a bow with arrows improvised and said:
- Need to shoot accurately, every beast in the eye. Now you are no longer a child.
Children will be happy to play in the adult, but I was not up to the game: in the forest found [2]
does not toy animals, a real, responsive, nimble. Do you want to see, say, a goat - what are the
ears, horns, eyes - sit in wait so that he looked at you like a piece of hay or a currant bush. Lezhi
not breathe and the eyelashes do not move. And if the way to lezhke rabbit, tries to crawl to the
leeward side and so that you are not under hrustnula no grass. Grows together with the land,
pripaday to the maple leaf and move quickly. After all, you need to hit the hare best shot from a
bow. Podpolzay up, otherwise your arm will go off the target ...
Santa grandchildren love more strongly than fathers of sons. Why does it happen - can explain
only the grandfathers. My grandfather - Andrey Zaitsev, Hereditary hunter - chose me as the
favorites in the first of the heirs of his son, Gregory - the father of one daughter and two sons. I
was the most senior and grew very tight. In the family way and I think that will stay kolobkom,
arshin with a cap. But do not be confused by my grandfather's small increase, and he invested in
me all your hunting experience the full measure of love and overt bias. My failures experienced
almost with tears. And seeing this, I paid him diligence - doing all that he commanded. He
learned to read traces of animals, as clever a book, smell lezhki wolves, bears, built an ambush
so that the grandfather could not find me until I gave him a voice. Such prosperity is like an
experienced hunter. One day he was due to my success, went on the risk: in my eyes killed the
wolf with wooden mallet. Saying, look, grandson, and learn how to safely and easily spread from
predatory animals. And then, when wolfskin have rested my legs, he said:
- See how deftly turned: shot saved, and the skin without the holes, go to the first class.
It has been a bit more time, and I managed to zaarkanit wild goat. Oh, how rvanulsya goat when
I nakinul on the horns of a loop of hempen twine. He vydernul me from the ambush and povolok
on bush donors pull out of my hands end of twine. But there it was. I hooked the body for Komlev
razlapistogo bush - Hold on! Kozel threw right, left, and then rounded a bush once, another, and,
finally, the fast ice on his knees next to me. It was pleased that grandpa luck. I wept for joy, and
he smiled and kissed my cheeks wet with tears.
The next day at home in the presence of my father, mother, grandmother, sister and brother,
grandfather handed me a gun - a single berdanku twentieth fire. This rifle with live ammunition in
the bandolier of bullets, shot and shot at Ryabchikov. Hang on my shoulder. Butt to heels, but I
could not see themselves as a young boy. Those present ruzhyam children even not allowed to
touch.
At that time I was only twelve years old. Matured in one day: arshin with a cap, but behind this
gun! It happened so in the twenty-seventh year of the house's grandfather, on the banks of the
forest valley Saram-Sakala, Elenovskogo Village of South-Ural region.
I was almost an adult, or rather an independent hunter. Then the father, remembering the
service of the Brusilova, said:
- The cost cartridges economically, learn to shoot without misses. This ability can be useful not
only in the hunt for quadruped ...
He knew that, or anticipate that his eldest son доведется fulfill this mandate in the heat of the
brutal battle for the honor of our homeland - in Stalingrad.
Together with a gun, I received the letter from the grandfather's wisdom taiga, [3] love for nature
and worldly experience.
Sometimes, the old man sits among the forest on the hemp, smoke samosad of beloved tube,
looks closely at one point on the earth and not hurrying to teach:
- You went to a forest beast promyshlyat. Sit and visit, to determine who in the forest was in your
absence. Skins from head malahay and listen to bird talk, defining life in the forest. Forty-hasty
conversation - a serious warning of a serious guest - be ready. If the bird's call comes, you need
to take advantage, lie low and wait: the beast is upon you. Zamri. Not shelohnis. From the forest
to come back late at night, the cordon that extra eyes have seen thy prey. Never does not boast,
it is better to more work - chastised grandfather - let your business you praise.
Father knew how to instill their beliefs, not only children but also adults.
Bypassing the residential building, we carried their prey in the hunting hut. In this hut lived only
to men. Cottage was great. It is divided into two parts, log walls: the meat warehouse and
bedroom. In winter, the warehouse was beaten carcasses of meat. Hung several hundred head
of frozen poultry.
Father, I and my cousin Max slept at Polat. Under our skins of dead animals. A bed for the day
and the rest grandfather. On the bed, except wolfskin so fur from different animals, there was no
other clothing.
Before the religious holidays in the hut to collect all the relatives. Do grandparents have their
saints and their gods, which he read, and who worshiped. Grandma's saints and gods, it is not
recognized, they are not worshiped, but no offense, not away from home. So our family lived in
two of faith. One faith preached: «Do not kill, Do not steal, do not lgi, Honor and Senior bow;
merciful God with the celestial heights see all». Based on spending grandmother Duni, immortal
man: «When the soul to leave the body when the body comes to repentance, but the soul flies
like a dove, just on the court. Here in this court to ask how you lived on earth, many of the sin.
Behaviors in the land of your soul depends on the light. You will boil in hell whether or enjoy
paradise - depends on the behavior of Earth ... »
Of course, we all tried to Maxim to do so in the heavenly paradise to live into our souls. But
Grandpa was a different faith. He said:
- Do not moget twice live either man or beast. Here you are today killed the goat, the skin
stripped from his poor, have two cuts, so next time do I have your backs will leave scars, you do
with them and will walk on the earth before the end of life.
We sat in the corner, with bated breath, knowing the character of Grandpa, who continued to
argue with a grandmother in her:
- So, a skin posted in the frost, it ran different bird, a little piece of meat collected. More on the
skin did not. Soul, you saw there? .. A?
We sat in silence as the two marmot, clapped eyes. A grandfather Andrey increasingly chafe:
- With silent? I ask you, the soul, the very, as you say you saw?
I replied:
- No, I do not see it.
- Well, times have not seen, then, no soul in the world no. There is a skin, meat and offal. The
skin hangs in the cold, the meat cooked in the pot, pluck dogs gobbling it up. Remember
ребятки that soul, spirit - all these fabrications. And fear nothing else. Forest man knows no fear.
[4] If one fear in the eyes of note - lowered skin!
Maxim older than me by ten years. However, in the fight and brawl, I defy him, and when I felt
his defeat, began to scratch and bite. Maxim retreated, and the happy grandfather. Whatever
one may say, I am his favorite grandson. Beat me to the family, no one could, it grandpa other
family members did not pass. But I came from a grandfather. He beat me for samohvalstvo for
lies and yabednichestvo, beat, and for showing cowardice.
Sister Pauline is often criticized for the fact that we smelled psinoy as from animals. She really
was right: in the winter, we were among the more animals than people. The hands, face,
clothing, weapons, Traps - all lubricated barsuchim fat. After a conservation iron loses its scent.
Each morning started with penalties grandfather - how we should behave in the forest.
- If zaychishek in many films, and all at once can not deliver, then hang them on trees.
Throughout this process, we knew a long time ago, but we interrupt the conversation of senior
prohibited.
So, sometimes, out of the house a little light. A ski pohrustyvaet fresh, fluffy snow. The air is
clear, frosty. Go lazily, not even flex the. Only dogs, as always, play on a leash. They ask to be
free. But do not: you need to check first, Traps, and then set loose dogs.
Here's just one day taiga life.

The morning began with the fact that the neighbor of our cordon trap catch away the wolf.
Dogs tied to a tree, Max returned home for a gun, I still check films hares.
The sun rises in the column. On the sides of the ball of red fire beautiful rainbow color circles.
Moroz strong, frozen at the paws of dogs, and they povizgivali. Finally back Maxim.
Having laid the bullets in the gun, we went on the trace of the wolf with the trap-line.
U Maxima often sick eyes, tears flowed from frost, so the first shot had been entrusted to me.
Frost whip. We in the Urals, in these days say: «Morozets not great, but the case does not stand
without orders».
As should determine that the animal hit the front right paw. Traps captured its high, so the wolf
was walking on three legs.
Wolf got smart, went to such places, where less snow. When the anchor, attached to a loop trap,
touches of some object, animal back, was strictly for his next, then back again and went in one
direction, chosen deaf vista overlook the deep swamps. Neither one of its lezhki left.
Увлекшись chasing, we have not noticed, as evening approached. Tired, lomilo waist, like to
eat.
Maxim pull out of the belt ax, making the trees zatesy, if not lost. Gray, even the evil of failure, I
turned the law should be brothers, and soon pulled my dog leashes. I vskinul gun. In five steps
from me, among the bushes, stood goat-Roháč. It was back to me. Such a posture goat I do not
like. I stayed a little bit, hope that he will raise his head, and he, as ill luck would have, it is
without looking back, chews podsnezhnuyu grass. I have good sight, gave a shot. From the
surprise expressed goat jumped, ran a little bit, then how would tripped, fell to his knees. I
unhook the belt from the dogs and threw for the prize.
Downstairs, near the swamp, my dog caught up with podstrelennogo goat and began [5] with a
fight. Kozel was a strong, deft. He fiercely struggle of dogs horns. Ironically, it was a pity, but I
had to spend a second cartridge. At this time the bullet hit the goat in the head and he collapsed
on the snow.
- Wow, such a carcass, we are not together осилим. Let's hang on the tree, - said Maxim
pleased. Pomolchav, he ordered:
- Clear the snow, do a great meadow, will spend the night here. Firewood wear more Polenov
choose thicker pile of divorce increased.
In the middle of fields, I prepared a place for a fire, gathered pine thin dry prutiki with birch tear
Berest, picked up dead trees and began to produce light.
How long chekmoy kicking a stone instead of the fingers, along with punk rock valilsya of the
hands, and it all began again. Although the firing and to the blood of defeated, but the fire
produced. Above the fire zaplyasali red tongues of flame. Meanwhile Max has finished flay goat.
The first quench your hunger, our four-legged friends. At the ramrod zharilos fresh goat meat.
We, too, was left hungry.
After a delicious dinner, over-tired, I wanted to sleep fatally. I trailers belt leashes for dogs,
pododvinul to his gun, closed his eyes, thick in the head, pulled malahay and fell asleep at home
at the Polat.
Maxim revived the fire, rolled up to my side and under the same zahrapel. Our camp was
sleeping peacefully sleeping. Only one small, Ostroukhov with twisted into a ring tail siberian
husky king could not sleep. It klubochkom knag, but one ear, and was raised on duty, followed
the order in the camps.
Judging by the fire, we slept long. Suddenly zalayala king. After some minutes the whole share
of our camp was moved.
Maxim drew fire from the brand, and cast into darkness. Dogs silence. I bounced off and started
to peer into the darkness. A hundred meters away from us peremigivalis two pairs of lights.
- Wolves!
- The meat came on the scent. Afraid? - Said the brother.
This issue is acutely kolnul my pride.
- No, - I answered and went to the luminous lights. It was, I slowly, knee-deep in snow fails. Then
some kind of inner strength skomandovala: «Stop! Shoot! »I have stopped firing. Thunder shot
raskatisto spread throughout the forest. Volkov like cow tongue slizala. I withdrew from the head
malahay, navostril ear, holding his breath - the terms of the forest was silent. I again pulled
malahay on his head, approached the fire. Max sat on the skin, podlozhiv under a foot, plane
goat haunch of meat and put on the ramrod.
Fireplace burning well. Coals in ognevische typed a lot of meat on the coals cook comfortably.
But why did not the brother asked, got my bullet in the beast, or does not hit? I myself said: «And
what is asked, the night shot at random, of course, the fluff». With this idea I have a sweet doze
off. Woken up from the kick in the ribs.
- Come on, the hunter, it's time for breakfast.
Before breakfast I took the gun and decided to look at the place where shooting at night.
- Where are you going this poshlepal? - Angry voice said Maxim.
- We must also look, how many of the wolves.
- Step on it quickly ...
I stopped. Wolf tracks in the snow with the blood. At first I did not believe my eyes. I go on the
scent. Now I have no doubt - the bullet hit the target. Immediately I caught up with Max. [6]
- For example, say vlepil? Come on, let's see ...
On the thought that Maxim did not scan, and sniffing the trace. Then razognulsya, looked at me
as if for the first time I saw.
- Well done, bro. This wolf is not leave.
At the foot of the mountain pine beast left a trail lezhki. Maternal blood sochilas of the breast.
Went up on the slope and then saw a wolf. He lay motionless. Precautionary Maxim before to
approach the beast, let the dog. King бегала around and layala. Wolf did not snap. Maxim badly
hit the wolf with a stick on the very tip of the nose. The body of the beast yanked and stretched.
Now it was necessary to continue the search for the wolf with the trap-line. Lowered dogs. It took
a few minutes and read the forest dogs Laem. They like to take a fight with a wolf. No, there is
going something incomprehensible: the dogs bark recruiting, as much as to say, here it is, but
can not get help.
Run there. Maxim lightsome me. It first appeared near the dogs, which UIS minute silent. When I
approached him, it did not believe my eyes. Maxim kept his hand in the rope, the other end of
which hid in the earth.
- What would it mean? - I asked.
- This is the end of our rope trap, and a wolf with a trap-line is sitting in the earth. We smoked it
...
Half an hour later and the wolf was lying at our feet. We have defeated him without a shot being
fired, save one bullet and will not damage the skin. All did so, as his grandfather taught.
Returned home with a rich mining: two wolfskin, a dozen faint carcasses and a wolverine, which
is stronger than a dog, without our help.
And surprisingly, neither the grandfather nor the father nor the mother nor the grandmother or
older sister, none of the relatives did not give it special significance - a normal episode in the life
of two hunters. Sleeping in the forest ringing frost killed two wolves, and returned home -
everything is normal and habitual. And at least one of these hunters was the value of «arshin
with hat», but he knew how to shoot well, then, and he is given the right to be called a hunter.
So from childhood I have quietly moved to the youth with a gun, learn the art of exploration in
the taiga on the animal trails. After all this is very useful in the fight against two-legged predators
that came to our land unbidden.
Read and write grandmother taught me. At sixteen years old, I went to work for the construction
of Magnitogorsk. They graduated from the Seven-night, then entered the training of accountants.
In 1937, I was called into the army. The general physical development, despite a small rise, I
was fit for service in the Navy. What was overwhelmingly happy.
2. Frock under blouse
White and blue stripes naval frock has long considered a symbol of bravery and courage. The
man in the frock swept away. It is not lost either in the waves of the sea storm, or in the human
circulation. Of course, the frock - it is only an external sign. But try at least once to put it on
yourself - just a desire to deal shoulders. On your chest - the blue, the color of ocean waves,
stripes, between the white foam crests storm - and it comes alive, moving ... Sea on the chest!
Frock fetch your muscles, making them relief, and if you do not «pod», not feeble in spirit, [7]
you will certainly want to test themselves on any difficult matter. And then another and another ...
So harden people. That is why not speak in vain, that people in frock do not know fear, despise
death and enemy of mercy is not requested.
Frock, frock ... I have had the happiness to intermarry with the fall of her thirty-seventh year in
Vladivostok, where I arrived along with his fellow Komsomolets from the Urals to the service in
the Pacific Fleet. The whole five years, I proudly wore frock, prepared themselves for battle in
the oceans ... A chance to fight on land. But there I am, of course, could not give up the frock, it
still helped me, just the blue and white stripes now have been hidden under the blouse infantry ...
Simply put, in September, forty-second year, me and my comrades in the Navy had to give up
the sea form: we have infantry - soldiers of 284 th Rifle Division.
A seaman, became a soldier of the Rifle, located in the Ural city. And memory takes me to the
distant shores of the Pacific, where I served for five years. Vladivistok remembered the way he
saw it the first time.
Echelon with the recruits came to the station under Vladivistok morning February 3, 1937. The
darkness receded slowly, the air redel, increasingly emerging suburban buildings. We are happy
to leave their cars prokurennye-teplushki. We were walking on the pavement by two men. When
lifted to the mountain, then saw the sea, covered with gray testaceous ice.
- Where is the sea? ..
- Razgovorchiki in line! - Interrupted my foreman.
It took several quarters, and appeared before the red gate, over which the beautiful inscription:
«garnison Bath». Letter «B» someone zalepil mud, and we read «garnison Anya».
Entered the yard. Before us, zaskripev brakes, stopped the truck. Beside the driver sat in the red
sailor reefer. He pushed the door falls cabin, stood on the broad steps, big blue eyes overbearing
okinul recruits, moved to the back of the head peakless cap with long streamers, as if saying:
Behold what I have. There is a very familiar story.
- Good to have arrived there, salazhatki?
- Blagodarstvuem. It would not puddle on the road so no skreblis, but came to Vladivostok.
- Well done, kind, good to sailors.
- Otkoleva you know what we will be sailors?
- Otkoleva, otkoleva - peredraznil sailor. - Folding is responsible, so stupid. Well, nothing a

couple of times to Bay Sit, then quickly poumneesh.
- And what is the lip?
- Sailor resort. Go to choice. I cronyism can you arrange five days to start.
- Who should have the honor to speak?
Sailor made a surprised face, round eyes, have become even more complicated, and he asked
me:
- You went through Khabarovsk and is it on the approaches to Vladivostok, you do not say that
all of your dirty civilian clothing came hozbatleru Nicholas Kuropiyu. Nicholas Kuropy - that's me
...
We have carefully listened to the sailor-joker and its civil negligence joke went with him on an
equal footing.
- Well, it's not your fault, this lapse, I vzduyu superior [8] Khabarovsk station. And now you have
a little work.
He led us to the bath and skomandoval:
- Undress before Maminov Lingerie ...
It took a few minutes, and we Ural-земляки no longer recognize each other. Knots with our
costumes, shoes and shirts took Nicholas Kuropy, and instead there appeared foreman, who
described himself:
- Ilyin Vasili G. - and pomolchav, explained: - No frock no sailor. Now you will get them. But that
frock fast ice to give your body a long time, forever, you should wash well, cut shaggy head.
Cleanliness - the pledge of health and strength sailor ...
My comrades in a single «Maminov underwear» got cars, strigut each other's head. That's my
forelock fell down scrap of hair under his feet. At the heart was grustnovato: Farewell,
chubastaya youth ...
Around rustled water pyhteli, kryahteli lathery burly guys. Taza, I was not wash-rag is not
available. I went up between the benches as oglohshy. All the shouting, lapped, happy as
children. Only one me gray. Looked like, looked like, and then sat on the corner of a bench and
decided to wait a bit, though, I think, shlynet the bulk of the people, and then I pomoyus. Long
did not have to burn me: I sat around with a huge bony pelvis naked guy. His body was dry, hilly,
twisted like a rope.
- A Come on, come on, buddy, помоемся together.
I looked up again and saw the good, black eyes foreman Ilyina. I was delighted:
- How good that you have about me. This brings us to the destiny.
- It may be, and fate, but I watch you sit alone, but I have no partner, here I am, and podsel to
you. You are my one's head, but I will soap and wash their telesa, and then do the opposite.
After the steam shower and he - Sergeant Vasily Ilyin - handed me frock, even helped me put on
her. And if in fact it prikipela purely washed my hot body. The blue and white stripes! How
impressive is it to emphasize to you the feeling of its own force. Let the raging sea on your chest
- endure, speaking.
This feeling never left me neither the first nor the second year of service in the navy. On the
contrary, the longer you live in the frock, the home, it becomes you, it sometimes seems you
were born in it and is ready to give thanks for the native mother. Yes, indeed, as the foreman
Iliin: «There is no sailor frock». She always invites you to test their own strength.
But now, after five years of service in the Navy, I became a shooter-infantry.
It happened this way.
After a long and urgent worries about sending me to the front has finally been included in the list
of commands marines. By that time I already had the title glavstarshina. A few days later, we
plunged in, and levels - to the west. At the front! Oh, as a spin-wheel perestukivali teplushek.
That's the Urals. My native mountain taiga. Here is my early youth, under the leadership of
Andrew Aleckseievich grandfather studied the animal to walk on the trails, shoot навскидку,
ringing frost to sleep in the open air at a fire ...
But now it was not to memories - rather be on the front!
Suddenly line drive into a dead end product Krasnoufimsk station. [9]
- Unload! - Rolled along teplushek.
You should have seen the person of seafarers: why are we, sea wolves, driven here in this hole?
But here, in Krasnoufimsk stood shelves 284 th Division. After heavy fighting in the area
Kastornoy they brought here to rest.
The team, which I rode from Vladivostok in a teplushke, was credited in the second battalion of
the regiment, 1047. Visited the fire fighting commanders and political worker Regiment met us
well, our only black reefer and slacks, not to mention the frock and peakless cap, presenting
them with a smile.
A few days later, again plunged into echelons. Zastuchali again, this time with a rare breathing
space, wheels teplushek. Before the eyes open boundless as the sea, steppe. My comrades
skinuli reefer. The blue stripes telnyashek zapestreli in all cars. LAND «sea» and «ship» on
wheels. Day, night, another day. Ahead - a mirage, as if indeed to the stormy sea mchimsya. Eh,
probably would be!
But there it was. Echelon stop: somewhere in front of the station to our destination fascist
bombers destroyed the bridge.
We vyvalilis of teplushek. We are waiting for an hour, another third ... Looked in the distance.
There, somewhere on the edge of the steppe space at the bottom edge sky, raging something
incomprehensible, then all completely becloud black clouds, then run them glow, and the sun as
if split up by shrapnel fire.
Day made a foot march without roads to all prominent benchmarks - glow of fire on the edge of
the steppe. It seemed, the same region and the world.
But that was Stalingrad.
By the morning glow has faded, but it is red, dark clouds were still thick. Like a huge volcano
erupt there, throwing masses of fire and smoke. And when the sun just podrumyanili clearances
between the clouds, above the source of fire and smoke, as moshkara, round planes.
- What is it? - I asked.
Company commander, Senior Lieutenant General Vasily Bolsheshapov gave me binoculars. I

looked - and I do not believe my eyes. Above the city in two, three, four «floor» - German
bombers, fighters, attack plane, heavy bombers. Since different heights, they tip out his load on
the city bombings. String of dive-bomber dive in guschu smoke and fire over the center, and it
raises new pillars of red brick dust and fire.
Are there still people, and how they stick, fight, just at least live, breathe!
- Stalingrad withstand another attack from the air - as if responding to my question, explained the
company commander. And pomolchav, added: - We are going there, so moryachki, now begin to
prepare you to act in those circumstances.
Immediately announced the theme of the three-day sessions: preparing for street fights.
With particular zeal trained sailors in the classroom. There were a bayonet, knife, shovel, metal
grenades, crawled, ran. Everyone understood it - this science is needed.
Hand «battle» is sometimes passed almost in real fights, vgoryachah even smashed one another
noses. Our company commander was preparing his people for the parade.
Now he sat on a hill, raskinuv legs bent at the knees: heel boots, thick padded metallic shoals,
deep in the ground zarylis; broad tanned palms tired lying on the knees.
Bolsheshapov was satisfied: the teachings [10] goes as planned, the sailors had skillfully catch a
flying grenade and throw it straight back into the trench, where mayachat stuffed.
- With these sailors, Stepan, we are all fascists heads turn! - Escaped from Bolsheshapova when
it stopped near zampolit Кряков.
Meanwhile, I am in a deep trench to learn combat techniques shovel against the enemy armed
with machine-gun. My opponent was a soldier Reutov. Sailors stood on the parapet, watched
attentively. And suddenly contrive Reutov and sadanul in my queue. Of course, the bullets were
blank.
To show reception, had to skip for each trench. The results were good: with the second call
«injuries» almost was not.
In the midst of «fight» near us stopped cars. It has a small growth, weak people, to buttonhole -
Raspberry rombiki. This was our divisional Chief, brigadier Commissioner Terentevich
Konstantin Zubkov. Calmly smoking a cigarette, he stared into the middle of the circle, where
there was a duel.
Senior Lieutenant Bolsheshapov save our warrant officer Rovnova. Warrant officer is clearly
stronger than the senior lieutenant of: rising above the hand longer, broader in the shoulders.
Bolsheshapovu were tight, but the training, knowledge of defensive techniques made him
invulnerable. As spring sozhmetsya instantly throw the opponent, and everything starts anew.
Got Spit on a stone. Who is who?
Matroos wanted defeated warrant officer, but the soldiers confidently say that the «senior», and
not such oblamyval.
Here is a warrant officer and a senior lieutenant went back to convergence. Spurt, spurt yet - and
the warrant officer confused in their slacks. Bolsheshapov stepped foot on the marine flare,
pushed shoulder warrant officer in the right side, and he lost his balance, grohnulsya.
Putting aside, vytiraya sweaty face handkerchiefs, company commander said:
- So because of the wide pants, you can lose lives - and just now saw Brigadier Commissioner. -
E-Company! - He wanted to file the command «attention», but Brigadier Commissioner
interrupted him:
- Is the army uniforms, you have not received?
Commander troubled company: he did not want to let seamen under the «separation». But to do
nothing, he had to report:
- Sailors army uniforms were full, but not yet changed.
All were waiting for that, say, Brigadier Commissioner, he whiff cigarette, let the smoke rings so
silently look at us.
«What is he waiting for?» - Each thought to himself, but dared not say aloud.
Finally Commissioner stryahnul ashes from a cigarette and asked:
- For example, say you feel sorry to part with the sea form? - And, pomolchav, the answer to
your question: - Of course, a pity! And with the warships, which you have five or six years
served, is not it a pity to give up? Yes, you left, eagle, from the mother nest. We know it: the
sailors - Eagles! - Commissioner pomolchal. - Took off, but not disappeared from view. Your
fellow-sailors, naval commanders of your watch for you, think about you: how is it there? They
accompanied you to the front of their relatives. Accompanied, as loyal sons of the Pacific fleet,
the party faithful, the people, heroic and disciplined! So where is your naval discipline?
A win by the way, the army, which, above all, high discipline and organization, [11] where the
order of the commander - for any act, where he served: in the navy there, whether infantry,
artillery. Personal desires, whims, considerations have no place here. Will you, the sailors, to
change shape ...
Commissioner Brigadier person was slightly pale, the left hand catch for portupeyu and right as
he spoke, all the time, was on the move: it rises sharply, then dropped again.
We stood and listened in silence, forgotten about tobacco. At the heart hurt: Will have to remove
the flare, wear uzenkie soldier's pants, winding. But understand - the Rights Commissioner.
And there, far away, blaze Stalingrad ...
We peer into a big black smoke that rose high into the sky.
Hard artillery thundered, clouds of rupture time and again мелькали black planes. Heard heavy
bombing.
Evening, we launched clothing bags, and an hour later turned into the Red. New uniforms stick,
dybilos, bubbles. Native format is now lying in the clothing bag.
Only frock remained under blouse.3. Crossing
Begins the loading of the machine. The commander of the Second Battalion Captain Kotov,
widely having fat legs, time and again to view the large wristwatch in white plated casing.
As a side, a dozen meters away from the Combat, a handful stood Red - connected from each
company. Among them was I - a connected machine-gun company. We have not yet become
acquainted with the newly appointed commander of the battalion and did not know how to stay in
his presence.
It is as if we did not pay attention. Chief among us connected, it was not all were like, on an
equal footing.
Loading ended. Kombat, along with a nurse sat at the head car. We were absolutely without
bosses. Then I decided: as a senior among all age and military rank to take command of the
group itself.
The first thing that came to my mind - to dissolve all of its units.
- How to stop, just run to me - I said. - My second machine. Who is late - blame themselves. This
is not a doctrine, a war ...
Standing next to me noticed by the soldiers Pronischev Smeshko:
- Comrade glavstarshina, so you do not know that such a war, but others are frightened.
Words skilled soldier fought me. I have to lose a minute, then pulled anger. He turned, shouted
Pronischevu:
- For me!
Places in the car we won the worst. We sat near the rear side, all the dust settles on us.
Wretched mood, anger has not yet been settled.
- You only comrade glavstarshina not zlis - talking Pronischev. - I do not like when somebody
says something that does not know. I've been, say, the tractor operator, and began to tell the
pilot about the plane. Funny! A war of ... I now tell you a little about and connected as well.
In the battle as often happens? All mixed up, messed up, you do not know where we where
enemy. As it cohere? Where to flee? Оглядись! Cases of derogation, again, the fighters are
moving away all together, helping one another and connected - always the same. For example,
there was a battle Kastornoy. I ran out of the regiment headquarters in the woods in the second
battalion to the message, fulfilled the order. Back [12] on the same path, cross from bush to
bush, hiding, and suddenly - Nazi motorcyclists. What should I do? Vskinul rifle, then threw two
grenades, and - go! Here's to you and connected. In combat communications - the figure, the
commander himself. And you are so ...
I am speechless. What was that?
Once again, remembered the early days of service in the Navy, the first test of conscience.
The March morning, the thirty-eighth year presaged a clear day: the Golden Horn bay sparkle
brighter colors, but at heart I had cloudy. The reason is very simple: I want to be mine or
torpedistom, as I entered the artillery branch clerk. I deliberately breaks his hand, in the
classroom allowed the grammatical errors for it to impose penalty and I was forced to sit again
for the books, make an application to different parts.
Homonym was my chief lieutenant Dmitry Zaitsev. And I decided to spoil his mood. In drawing
up the report card-application intentionally misrepresented the title of one piece. Instead «swab-
gap» wrote a obscene word, and podsunuv this application to be signed by Lieutenant, was quiet.
But less than a day, as calm turned against me. I am no longer able to eat or drink, thinking that
the administration will find my artillery «error» and it gets lieutenant Zaytseva. Gets tight, it's
open mockery of the superior ...
This is the evening. Not finding a place, I am dull pobrel to his bed. When the soul of gravity,
then the case is not glued, is all bad, but it is even more annoying. This evening on duty but the
barracks twice raised me out of bed, forced to put uniforms properly. Throughout the night not
sleeping. Stood up to signal «recovery», totally forgetting that this is a violation of order of the
day. At the exit from the barracks, I stopped the foreman.
- Why on twenty minutes before the general rise up out of bed?
One mistake led to another. I again shitril: stretched to the foreman of the statute, as we were
taught at the combatant activities, and reported:
- I have an upset stomach.
- In this case ... run in the latrine!
On the morning verification foreman led me out and sent to the medical part - to treat an upset
stomach.
My doctor trick revealed simple. He looked over the language potiskal my stomach and foreman
wrote: «Six days krasnoflottsa Zaytseva raise thirty minutes before lifting, use it for chores».
Six days, I pulled buckets of river water in the washbasins. On Saturday I was again brought in
the Medical unit. The physician continues to be very carefully listened to me: asked how the
stomach, there is no diarrhea, constipation, nausea Do not stifle, maybe it is heartburn. I replied:
- I feel good, I ask to cancel such treatments.
Finally, I came runner from headquarters: to be the chief lieutenant boepitaniya Zaytseva.
Begu and the threshold to report:

- Comrade Lieutenant, Zaicev soldier arrives at your bidding.
The lieutenant looked at me long for its beautiful, kind eyes.
- I can see that came from. Only you can not understand that you have for people like you can
use the civilian accountant, having no conscience for the soul. We are with you in a Komsomol
[13] organization, age almost contemporaries, the life we gave one name for two. I believe in
you, as you, as a brother, and now for my credulity you punish me severely.
The words of Lieutenant wrest my inside turn. In reality, the lieutenant was a gentle person by
nature, a fair and demanding. A year ago, he graduated with honors from the military academy,
and how excellent he was sent for independent work in college. Now it is transferred to another
part to the drop. Reason: carelessness.
- Here it is what has resulted - said the lieutenant, laid before me an application, consisting of my
hand. - As you can see, the result was sad. Your case has shown negligence in service,
distraction, superficial knowledge of the material.
From shame, I was ready to fail through the land, requested an apology and the most severe
punishment. The lieutenant looked at me with his pure, clear eyes, barely noticeable smile and
quietly said:
- No, I will not punish you. Suppose that you punish your own conscience. It is we - the supreme
judge ...
Yes, I think, no more severe punishment than excruciation own conscience. In terms of military
service life of every military man, if he wants to be a real war, is not only to the statutes and
regulations, but also on their own conscience. The loss is equivalent to the gravity of the crime.
That is the conclusion I made for myself after the silly escapades against the lieutenant Dmitry
Zaitsev, and now life will seek an opportunity to expiate his guilt in front of him.
And now, when there is war, when before my eyes blazing Stalingrad, and the ears hear the
words tested by fire Soldier: «In the battle connected - figure himself commander», - I just have
to give an oath in front of his own conscience: to be loyal and honest executor of the will of their
commanders. Without this, nothing and think about winning.
The convoy turned onto country roads. Minutes of the thirty-rolled plain, overgrown bushes.
Scattered here and there lakes and manili to me: after the dusty, hot road - heavenly cause
bathe, relax on berezhku.
Suddenly, the head of the machine moved conditional signals, and the entire column
sharahnulas in different directions. Stopped by the bushes. The road ahead and the sky above it
was empty. What they afraid of - we did not understand.
Battalion unloaded quickly, without fuss and noise. Military equipment pulled on the shoulders,
built on three and came out of the bushes on the very track, which just went.
Day comes to an end, shlynula heat, and even as if subsided long suffers of their thirst. Heard
thunderous reverberation. In the air smelled garyu, explosives and even something unpleasant.
The battalion turned to proselka and path, protoptannym cattle, into the forest.
And then out of the bushes seemed to people in plain clothes. They walked, barely passing,
ragged, dirty, bandaged gray dust bandage. This is Stalingrad civilians were sent to hospital.
Sailors who have not yet seen the horrors of war, looked on them with pain.
On the edge of a forest in which we cover up, was seen Stalingrad. Between us and burnt the
town lay the Volga. Heard artillery reverberation. No tired stitch machine guns. Nazi planes
bombed the factory area continuously.
How it will be our first fight?
Taschilis a string of paths [14] the wounded soldiers. We wanted to talk to them, ask how they,
but they kind of spoke for itself. They walked as if no notice of us, and we all waited for, maybe,
who will come. And suddenly from the bushes appeared sailor. He stopped, inspected - and saw
us. Come. It turned - foreman. Head bandaged. Left hand, strangely short bandage. At
izodrannoy frock - brown stain of blood. Right leg flare from the bottom up to the knee tore.
Anchor thick marine vdavlen badge in the middle. Foreman sat next to us asked for a cigarette.
Began a conversation.
- Wait - suddenly foreman said, hear that we - tihookeantsy. - A Сашу Lebedeva you have not
seen? My brother. None of this to you?
- That we have such an e, - said Ukrainian Ohrim Vasilchenko.
- What? - Vskinulsya foreman. Maybe the same surname?
- The bayan is playing well, noet. Anyway, Happy хлопец, will not be bored.
- It Sashka!
- Only nema it a go at the company.
- How so? Where is he?
Three soldiers immediately rushed to search for Сашу.
Before Stalingrad fighting foreman Ivan Lebedev served in the Northern Fleet, and his brother
Alexander - on the Pacific. Originally they are from Stalingrad. When the mother city of the
Germans came, the brothers asked for the Stalingrad front. And now ...
- Comrade foreman - pleased exclaimed the sailor Misha Maasai - looking!
We ran Lebedev Jr..
- Vanya!
- Sasha]
Brothers kisses. Drognuvshim voice Ivan said:
- I embrace it for you really can not.
Alexander looked at his brother's hand shortened.
- Where are you?
- Tam - Ivan showed towards Stalingrad.
- What is it?
- Hard. But hold, - Ivan Lebedev okinul look around the crowd sailors. - I stand, brattsy, stand, I
promise! And my hand did not see. Fritz for her pay dearly.
From the story of Ivan Lebedev before we get up the battle, near the village of Krasny Oktyabr.
... Fight for every street, every house. All are covered with fire. The heavy breathing. Sparks
syplyutsya on the shoulders, fall over the collar, light clothing.
Lebedev foreman saw Nazi officer drew a pistol aimed at the commander. Lebedev threw
forward, commander of the countryside itself and rushed to the fascist with a knife. The bullet
struck Lebedev in his left hand, but right at the same moment достала fascist chest. Having lost
an officer, fascists momentarily lost. But know that it would be more, if at that moment not
progremelo «cheers»: we went over the top.
Lebedev stopped and we thought that we were on the right bank, participated in a melee fight,
attack, beat the fascists, went to the counter.
I did not notice when our group came Brigadier Commissioner Zubkov.
He stood, opershis on the tree, and together with all the attention. And then came to Lebedev,
shook his hand:
- Thank you, comrade sergeant. Thank you for our youth, we can say, this report is the courage
to read. - Then looked at us: - I can see, does not give you the form of a soldier - in his voice
soft.
- Until the dark, Friend [15] Brigadier Commissioner were soldiers, and now here again to
become seamen, - justifies company commander.
- In the old days, Russian soldiers had to fight to wear clean underwear - Commissioner said
thoughtfully.
As darkness came to the bank of the Volga. Lay on the warm sand at the water. Volga handle
small pebbles on the shore. They shelesteli like whispered among themselves: tish-sh, ty above,
tish-sh.
On the mound Mamaeva a fan of all the parties razletalis tracks heavy machine gun bursts.
- Before we did not get, dyvis, Vasil, how a water squelch - said lying beside Ohrim Vasilchenko,
commenting on the flight of bullets. On the right side of the crossing was exchanged machine-
gun. In ravine debt between fuel tank worked avtomatchiki, beat an even shot, and at the bottom
of the ravine, the road, uhali discontinuities grenades. Above the head tarahteli motors night
bombers. Every new mine or a shell gap okatyval hot air, to throw aside. The most unpleasant in
the war - lie without action by enemy fire.
Ohrimu do not lie. It roll with side to side and growl:
- Well kazhy, чого we are here waiting for? Would fly until darkness, but we lezhim, sontsya wait.
Senior Lieutenant Bolsheshapov loudly tsyknul to Ohrima:
- More suitable parts. Do not you have one, you can lie down.
And all the silence, to understand. Only heard was a quiet conversation at the crossing.
The city was burning. Against the background glow was visible shadows runs soldiers. Our or the
Germans? Nobody knew.
By crossing approaching train a second battalion. Overloaded vehicles to the hubs buried in the
sand. Horses vybilis of the forces and could not derail them from their seats. Came
avtomatchikov company, and moved to the train crossing.
A boat to the dock was a barge. Its high side fairly beaten by shrapnel.
The loading went quickly to complete silence. Made to combat machine gun. In the middle of the
barge lay stacks boxes of ammunition. Sergeant Babaev Georgia in the holds, directly into the
water, boxes of American stew - «Second Front».
Sailors laughed undertone:
- Sergeant, what are you doing, zahlebnetsya «Second Front»!
At the bow and stern of the barge were holey pumps. Sailors evacuate water leak through the
holes. Inside the barge knocking hammers: caulk cracks and holes забивали plugs, crocked tow.
Glukhov work machine. The boat shuddered, pulled the tug, drognuv, zaskripela barge, and, as
fatigue crock, went along. A small wave of free-to-boat, kicking on the iron board and noise fell
somewhere in the dark. Thick night tem Davila to the eye as the band, but all have looked into
the black vastness boiling river, trying to consider what was to come. You might have heard a
left and right quietly lapped oars floating boat sailors. For boats on ropes taschilis boards, logs,
they kept the sailors of the company avtomatchikov.
Crossing done without loss. All as one, tihookeantsy peremahnuli over the Volga at Stalingrad
fire-spitting.
This was the night on 22 September 1942.4. The first battle
The boat crashed nose in coastal sand. Motor vzdrognul [16] for the last time, and silenced, just
water for the stern continued to squelch. Here it is, the long-awaited right bank!
As the sky exploded rocket. Her bright light skolznul steel helmets fighters, all frozen. The rocket
goes off, and the bank again revived.
By five o'clock in the morning over the Volga passed over our entire 284-th rifle division. I still
can not understand why the Nazi gunners and minometchiki no one shot does not disturb us in
the open surface of a river. Maybe because we have any sound or movement does not pretend
to? Maybe fascists lost vigilance, considering that the Russian army under Stalingrad divided,
scattered, artillery left for the Volga, on the left bank, in the ruins of the city remained only a few
groups «Communists suicide», a new service often impossible? What they thought - it is not
known, but the fact that our division was able to cross without a loss.
Now there is no doubt - we will soon enter the battle. The first baptism of fire on land of seafarers
in the burning city. How it starts and what ends? Personally, I am - ready for everything, I will
fight, as the dictates of conscience. What is it with me - Buggy or pure - even appreciate
comrades during the battle, but to myself I have to repeat again: not fail, not otstuplyu, even
before his death. Perhaps, just think about myself, my friends tihookeantsy. I looked at them,
and in your ears sounds the voice of the announcer, who passed another Sovinformbyuro report
on the radio:
- «Our troops have left Sevastopol ...»
This is heavy news, I heard while in Vladivostok, with a bank pay for May 1942. And immediately
before the insurance for my back, made me no less severe sentence than the narration of
Sevastopol message:
- So, I say, money moget any competent jane wear, but these guys sharovaristyh time to drag
the war.
- Right, Luke Egorovich - supported my friend's grandfather Fadey, millwright stoker District
baths. - I am here, for example, operates at two positions of responsibility, the whole bath is on
my shoulders, well, if I was asked, Fadey, go to the bank, get cash for the band, што me -
seriously? And such lobotryasov babey at work to keep it would be ...
Oh, how hard I was in that moment to serve in peace, far from the front of the city! He returned
in the part and was ready to distribute all the money which fell to condemn and send as
shtrafnika, to the front. And probably, so could happen if the moment does not meet the base
commander, who said that one of these days I will have to replace, that the Navy command had
decided to grant the request Komsomolets base - to form a company of volunteers to be sent to
the front.
- Thank you! - Escaped out of my chest, otherwise I would have suffocated with joy.
The captain smiled, get out of his pocket a stack «White», to me. To light one match, was
delayed.
- Frankly, I envy you and your friends Komsomolets - said the commander of the base. - I have
filed the same report, four to send a request to the front. At the fourth set such a resolution, the
very sight of her reading: «Explain Nikolaev comrade that he must understand where we are (not
in the country) and what to do. Do not understand, we will deal with on a party basis, until the
exception ».
The commander of lieutenant Nicolaev of its kind, the nature of a worrier. Most minor problems,
failures [17] he took to heart, upset, why are frequently carried out at work all day and night, not
smykaya eyes. From exhaustion during one year of the war he has a deeper cut on the forehead,
two wrinkles. Even stronger marked scar - trace Hassan that Snake vilsya from the right eyebrow
to cheek. Intelligent and diligent commander, who gave eighteen years of hard service, this time
seemed to me the native father: he instruct me how to act in battle: the main thing - do not be
timid and slow.
In anticipation of the replacement being dragged painfully slow. I felt literally every minute.
During the night, managed to produce a full financial report for the transfer of new nachfinu and
in the morning, at dawn, went out to the sea. In this time of the dawn of the sea is like a
particularly nice. The beauty of the dawn begins with the appearance of small, hardly-hardly
noticeable bright shining point. It was not even summer lightning, which I used to see in their own
Urals. This point is small, as the rat eye, a light so bright that the uprising in the sky around it.
This star - not a heavenly body, not a real scout - paves the way for the sun. When the rat eye
flare up to rise in all-seeing eye, he pomigivaya, emits so much light that it have enough light in
the sky a narrow strip of a new dawn.
It was in that morning, it seems to me just smiled Star of Happiness - solar intelligence. In my
eyes, all living happy, turns to the sun. And how could it be otherwise: in fact, I would not today,
tomorrow to go into the army.
Bathe in the cold ocean water, I run back to the location of parts. There are already all knew that
the twenty-Komsomolets our base, including myself, go into the army.
Time was very small, the conductors are indeed military. Rank and age of our team, I was the
oldest. Therefore, I was appointed commander of the office, with whom I joined the battalion of
Marines Pacific Fleet ...
And now we are in Stalingrad, on the right bank of the Volga. I smile is the same star, which in
Vladivostok sailors called scout the sun?
Crossing Division ceased, waiting for orders to join the battle.
Before receiving combat mission remained in place, at the berths. How do I see a young tow-
haired, snub-nosed captain, who placed part of the seamen on the steeper shores.
Lezhim one by one. It has been an hour, the second one. Night at the end. Sailors are well
focused on the luminaries of heaven, but heaven zadymleno, and it is difficult to determine
whether near dawn.
There was worry the officers, but we still lezhim absolutely no action and are worrying more and
more.
It is clear: we should soon join the battle. But where the enemy, where he was the front edge? No
one guessed then do not take the initiative - explore. Not dodumalsya before and our Combat
Vasily Kotov. He was lying on her stomach next to me. On the other side sat the senior
lieutenant Vasily Bolsheshapov.
Early morning. Become clearer emerging long-range subjects. Left of Us clearly visible gasoline
tank. What's behind them, who's there? Above the vats - roadway, facing the empty wagons.
Who hid them?
Finally observers of German mortar batteries zasekli us. On the bank of the Volga, in most of our
cluster, flew mine. In the air seemed to enemy planes, hurled shrapnel bomb. [18]
Sailors cover on the shore, not knowing what to do.
Lieutenant Nicholas Logvinenko, battalion commander Vasily Kotov, and I managed to jump into
deep craters from bombs.
Pinned to the ground, lezhim. A fascist air hammers, only stones fly. Right and left poslyshalis
moaning wounded.
A few minutes later was told:
- Killed by Deputy Commander of the division.
No more so can not stay. And then because of the Volga hit «Katjusha». Well done gunners, in
most times!
To break the latter rounds, Senior Lieutenant Bolsheshapov jumped to swell, he shouted:
- For the Motherland!
Vskinuv gun over his head, he rushed to the fuel tank, which shall be inhabited avtomatchiki
fascist. Drop me like a spring to their feet, do not remember, as has been close to
Bolsheshapovym.
After we have the right and left rose the sailors. Fear and indecision as the hand withdrew: united
attack, and makes timid brave.
Left zastrochil Nazi machine gun, ukryvshiysya somewhere in the ravine near the ruins of a long
time. Chains seamen pinned to the ground. Attack zahlebnulas.
Bolsheshapov ordered me to get to the ruins and to fill the slot machine-gun grenades.
When the Nazi machine gun stopped, sailors, advancing on the left flank, once again climbed
over the top.
Noticed congestion at benzobazy our infantry, the Germans launched a massive mortar and
artillery fire. Then flew dive-bomber with a bomb. Above the base vzmetnulos flames began to
tear gas-tank, lit surface. Over the chained attack seafarers with deafening revom lurch giant
tongues of flame. All are covered with fire. Another minute - and we become coals in the brand
...
- Forward! Forward!
Covered with fire, soldiers and sailors on the move to frustrate his burning clothes, but no
throwing weapons. Attack of hot naked men ... What to think about at this point the Germans - I
do not know. Maybe they took us below or saints, whom, and the fire is not, and therefore fled
without looking back. We vyshibli them out of the village, adjacent to benzobaze, and stopped at
the extreme west street zalegli of small individual houses, which consisted of this street. Here is
someone podkinul my poncho, and I make a cover.
Immediately commanding the regiment, Major Metelev sent the brunt of his battalion on duty at
gully metal factory in the district ldohranilischa and at the height of 102 - Mamaev Kurgan. In the
ravine, our company has established the duty of us with machine-gun ulnar rotoy 13th Guards
Division, which was brutal battle for the city center.
In the air was still circled fascist planes. Shell dogfight. Nazi dive-bomber stormed plant «Krasny
Oktyabr» and northern rays Mamayev mound. They also burned the land.
From hot air at the soldiers crannied lips, peresohlo mouth, sliplis parched hair - comb teeth
gnulis.
But the commander of the battalion captain Kotov rejoiced: the order is made! Fuel tank otbili,
took possession of unfinished red building, took office hardware plant, fights are in the shops and
the gap asphalt and metal plants!
Set hour pause. Brought clothing. Found buried in the sand a little burned my frock. [19]
The city is on fire. Flames raged over each house of the factory buildings, which is lit at the
tractor factory.
I sit and without looking, feel themselves - a frock chest and legs. It must be my pillar of thick
black smoke rising high into the sky. Then he slowly moved along the coast to the west. As a
black cover prolong Mamaev Kurgan, just do not see trees in the area tirov. Smoke clouds down
below, and all below. Smoke worm in the ruins of houses, in basements, filled trenches and
gullies on stretches of water.
Nazi planes continue to bomb the city.
We hide among the ruins, in holes under the foundation wall, then cross cut into the factory and
shop hidden under the bed machines.
The shelling and bombing subsided. We are again in the attack. Are unequal fight. It starts with
hand-to-hand fight, brutal, fleeting. This is useful where science is taught to us at the shore!
Again, pause. To examine the ruins of a factory: a pile of bricks, twisted metal girders.
Suddenly I see - a girl. Small, slip, twelve years old. Her thin legs to the blood istsarapany, blue
dress, apparently to someone else's shoulder, torn, red shoes, too ragged, wearing on his leg
Bos.
The girl is in front of wounded soldiers, leads them somewhere. In the ruins we saw earlier, many
tropok and guess where they stretch. On the crash broke mine fan scattered fragments and small
chips of brick. Immediately zaschelkali exploding bullets. But the girl continued walking as if
nothing notice. I go by the gun, hit trigger, open fire in the direction of the fascists.
The girl that I remember forever.
Senior Lieutenant Bolsheshapov interested in where hiding from the bombs wounded soldiers as
path to get to the girl? And if this path and find the Germans just quietly prosochatsya in our
rear?
The commander ordered the company:
- Reutov and Zaitsev, explore where to go underground and how they can be used.
Vskinuli machines, to the trailer in three zones grenades and dived into the ruins. I went first, and
Reutov rear covered way flashlight. Way among the ruins, dived under the bent farm. Come to a
massive iron door, opened it - in the nose hit the smells of kerosene, engine oil and a heavy
smell. Reutov stopped.
- Hey, did you, even an ax to hang.
A little bit of the time, included a flashlight, inspected. A long narrow corridor. On the right side of
another door. For hear her talk, moan. Who's there, their or others'? Push on the door - can not
be, is closed from the inside. Reutov fast ice your ear to the keyhole, to listen to. Loud knocking
echoes spread to the basement. Where did it by hand was a rough prokurenny bass:
- Who goes?
As I heard the voice of his naval comrades. Nicholas Kuropy of the first battalion! Nice shouted:
- Kohl, open it, we Reutovo!
- Now open - said Kohl.
However, the door to remain locked. Alexander Reutov again knocking, but nobody answered.
Around it was quiet, only occasionally shudder the earth, as if reminding us that the top is
bombing, heavy artillery strikes. [20]
Finally zaskripel iron bolt, and the door opened. Before me stood polurazdety people. On the
face and chest bubbles from burns. The right arm hangs at the neckerchief, podvyazannoy in the
neck. It looked like my naval friend Kuropy Kohl, the former accountant of the collective farm in
Poltava region, prankster and joker ...
There were twenty people there. All of them have already received first aid: the nurse caring for
the wounded Klava lead with two sanitarkami. But, of course, kids should be urgently sent to the
Volga, in medsanbat.
It turned out that this could be the basement to get to the Volga one more way - first on the
labyrinth of ruins to the individual houses, then down a ravine in debt and there until the ferry -
hand lodge. In this way, and came to hospital here where the Nazis occupied the factory shops.
Upstairs - the fascists, and in the basement - our wounded ...
- Good neighborhood - a snake with a bird - found the strength poveselit we Kohl Kuropy.
Find here a passage for the battalion vyshibit top Nazis and help out the wounded ...
- Look-ka, - called me Reutov.
I looked - some square tube. Width - more than two meters. Height of about fifty meters. Yes, no
less. My growth - meter and sixty-five, and I walk a bit just prignuv head. The air is clean,
breathe easy, even feel a small draft. Come on in darkness. The left-hand hold on a thick cable
lead sheath, suspended on a bracket under the ceiling. Right compresses the neck rifle butts.
Cable abruptly rose up, and five meters, I ran into brick wall. Posharil hand, feel a "wooden
staircase. Four steps have brought me out of the collector: a square hole covered a thick sheet
of iron, in the cracks penetrate the light. Hence, a well-heard cross on top - treschat machine-gun
and automatic queue rush grenades. Where are we? I decided to look, look. Tried to move the
sheet leverage - not here it was, as the list priros.
Sasha has come Reutov. Adapted for two, waiting for the moment. Here's one for the other two
strong blast. We clicked together. Plate slightly overshadowed - with treacherous thunder.
Fortunately, Hitler soldiers paid no heed. Fissure was established, but such a narrow, that only I
could prolezt. Sasha was not bulky.
I put out his head, inspected. It turns out that we have to get into storage tool shop: range
cabinets, racks of tools and miscellaneous parts.
It can be seen that done in turning and assembly plants. In turn - the Germans. Many, it seems,
the whole company. Gathered for a meal like: in the hands of pot and Umbrellas. Harboring of
machines, waiting podnoschikov food and do not notice that the Russian sailor finds them on the
head of sheep.
Hastily draw out a scheme of the enemy, the enemy firing points, the road passes. In this paper
Reutov went back to report to the commander of company, but I stayed to watch.
A hand caught leaf. Read: «pass». Printed special passes to the defenders of Stalingrad. For
these Russian soldiers could pass at any time on a preferential basis to lay down their arms and
surrender in the captivity. «Discounts» are as follows: if the defender of Stalingrad, accidentally
falls into captivity, his shot on the spot, and come [21] with the pass - send in the rear. On the
other side of the text was in German.
Even then I moved it. It was written: «All the soldiers Führer: Russian soldiers and officers,
presenting a pass for putting into captivity, to disarm unconditionally and sent to a camp for
prisoners of war».
It took twenty minutes. Hitlerites started dinner. I counted sixty-five heads. Lunch, zaschelkali
lighters, cigarettes zadymili.
Where Reutov? Do not uspeyut our catch them in such an opportune moment?
Suddenly Hitlerites cried, cover. They drew attention to the noise in the opposite side from me.
Who is it raised the noise and for what?
It turns out that this noise needed Bolsheshapovu. Seafarers have already accumulated in the
Treasury and instrumental in the nearby basement. They were waiting when the Germans to
distract false noise, turn its back.
According to a team of senior lieutenant at once flew over thirty grenades, zastrochili machines.
A few minutes later, a single living Fritz in flow shop no.
But even before the evening, we cleared the land plant and strengthen their positions. Now in the
hands of the Germans remained asphalt-concrete plant, north-west of hardware, transformer and
of the boiler. Yet they still held the bridge and the railway embankment that skirt Mamaev
Kurgan in the north.
We have a lead in order to send the wounded from the basement of metal factory and a hospital
to prepare for Klava lead.
Thus ended my first battle, or rather the first day of fighting in Stalingrad. 5. Buried alive
For an entire week, for five or six times a day, furiously attacked the fascists hardware plant.
Some parts of the plant several times changed hands. Happy they were Germans, the night - we
are.
Particularly bad were we in those days, when the enemy succeeded in gaining a foothold on the
top of Mamayev mound and install a monitoring points. From there, the Germans saw crossing
our position and be able to pinpoint artillery fire.
From the height of mound view all approaches to the office hardware plant. And still a hundred
meters from our bunkers looming tower. It also occasionally appeared Hitler rangefinder. Zasekli
they login to our blindage ...
Eight Hours in the morning began an artillery and mortar shelling. Mines and shells рвались near
the bunkers, chop everything that was on top. Trees planted at one time along the tram line,
become burnt and splitting poles. Rails, tear off a blast wave from the ground, rolled into balls.
Tram cars with no windows and doors, detached from the wheels roll, like broken toys.
... Among the tram cemetery louse rails seen helmets, hand scattered cases, boxes of bullets
and grenades, protivogaznye and sanitary bags, are killed. But I am almost indifferent go past all
of this with one desire - quickly and get to the bunkers to sleep. Fatal tired. It seems that sleeping
on the fly.
In dug through the floors muffled hearing: enemy artillery and aircraft begin processing the front
line of our defense. Land and stonet abuzz. Now, my friends, [22] those who are on top, should
escape, crawling as close as possible to the front of the enemy. This - is the only salvation in this
situation.
Fatigue presses me to the wall bunkers. Prisedayu squat. Dream conquered. What is it the power
- not punched, either machine can not otobeshsya. Otpolzayu at the center of bunkers, the head
hits something soft. I. .. immersed in the sandman. No, I do not sleep, but I continue to struggle
with sleep, all I see, all I hear only one away from this noisy reality. The explosions of bombs and
shells shake blindage, but it seems to me that I'm going to jolty teplushke with their comrades.
Somewhere near Omsk teplushka stopped. Head line of duty officers convened at his car. Sit
down on a bench next to the girl. Beautiful, smiling, in military uniform, with four triangles on the
tab - a nurse. Sitting shoulder and feel her warm shoulder. Echelon again touched. The car
throws from side to side. I like a girl too, it seems, is not disappointed that jolty. Tenderness view
her blue eyes was starting to worry my heart. Meanwhile, the chief line continues to raise
awareness of the importance of our line.
He said:
- Enemies can put us under the slope, if we weaken our vigilance. So that this does not happen,
the general public to keep their car. Wizards allow for inspection of cars, but sharp-sighted to
follow what they do ...
Training has already ended, but stopped yet. All those present rose from their seats. And I got
up. With courtesy, I give way to his unknown, taking her by the elbow. She felt my arm and
quietly pressed to his side.
Understand each other, we began to aggressively push among sailors and soon found
themselves in vestibule. I called his name:
- Basil.
- Maria, - she said - but you are Call me as all my friends - Masha. Vasey you I will call ... How
nice that you both call.
- These names in Russia, millions.
- It's true, but with the first deck I met it with the name that will bring me happiness. Let's pledge
that the entire war will help one another as brother, sister. You're not going to hurt me and others
do not allow ...
I was surprised to look in her large radiant eyes and thought: why should this need, my beautiful
friendship?
I gave the word seaman: always, until the end of the war, protect and preserve it as native sister
from disgrace and resentment. Mary raised her hand and vowed that before the end of the war
will listen to me, as a brother ... At the word train, as the blow, vzdrognul, zaskripel brakes talked
a buffer between the steel plates. Echelon has stopped. At this point, I think, fallen asleep, or
rather, reality meeting with Mary Loskutova gone from my memory, and then back again.
Returned through a dream in a surprising consistency.
At one station crewman Kuropy tore off a door nail with the index finger left hand. First aid to the
injured sailor had in teplushke. Nikolai Starostin volunteered to accompany the victim in a
medical van. I am a man could not miss such a moment, that does not look to Masha Loskutova.
On that day, she on duty in the health wagon.
Short of the station, the train stopped at the semaphore, we jumped [23] and along the run to the
fifteenth of the car, which was ahead of our pritseplen.
This was the only one in the hard-line coupe car. It housed the headquarters of our parts,
pharmacy and operating room. To get there, it was not easy. When we trip the wagon jumped on
our train was a recruit decent speed. Starostin knocked. To tap the door is not opened
immediately. Man looked severely threatened a finger through the glass, and only then we
opened the door.
Bedraggled blood hand magic act at the unconscious man sailor.
- Sister, take the wounded sailor, - he shouted loudly, knocking fists. - Sister!
Opened the door of an adjacent compartment. Check Masha. See the blood on the hand of
Nicholas, though not noticed me, focused only on poburevshih spots.
- Sit a moment, - she said Nicholas - now I will prepare fresh dressing.
Starostin quickly hid behind the door at the pharmacy and, perhaps, then forgot about us. Kuropy
as the victim sat on the couch, hand lay on the table. Masha quickly wore a white robe, the head
of snow-white cap pulled. We admired her beauty. Even a simple gown and he painted very well
and good figure sister. And kirzovye boots with wide bootleg not spoiled the beauty of this small,
mobile, military nurses.
Then Masha revealed overall notebook in black cover with a latch and said:
- Name?
- Kuropy, - said Nikolai.

- Name and patronymic?
- I will tell you the name and patronymic, only the first name in your name - an issue the question
answered Nikolay, apparently issuing its intention to meet with her.
- Oh, these sailors, let your hand - have more stringent voice say Masha.
- Sister, you say your name, I do not just hand you and I will give my heart - has continued to
Nicholas.
Masha nahmurilas:
- My name is ... Is John, you said nothing?
Nicholas said:
- No.
- Well, nothing, he has to say. Heart of me you do not need it, but the hand lay shattered on the
table.
Nicholas, like a schoolboy, and laid his hand on the table and shut up. Rana was benign.
Dressing was over, and can be sent to your teplushku but train all mchalsya and mchalsya
without stopping Graham on the arrow.
He came on duty at headquarters, and put us out of a compartment in the vestibule.
Again something zagremelo, zagrohotalo. I like podkinulo in the air, and now I seem to actually
fell asleep.
Sleeping-Sea, strong. Woken up from hunger. Spread his hands in the hand - there is nobody
around. In my voice, no one responds. Quiet and dark. I sat down, halt backs to the wall, trying to
remember where I am. Fed pouch from his pocket, turned samokrutku, obsharil all pockets, but
no matches. Where are the matches? Remembered the bad habit of Michael Massayev: neither
shall a Friend - do not give back; mechanically vanities in your pocket.
Yes because in the morning, turning the shop, I gave a box of matches Massayev! Caught hold
of this moment and began to trace what was next.
Finally remembered, as has come to blindage how long looking for a place closer to the exit, to
breathe fresh air. But the happiness I have not smiled, I came to the middle [24] and dug down to
sleep, moor blindly.
From anger to Mishka samokrutku tossed aside. Got up, did step two, ran into the wall and
began to wade through it. Legs are always clinging, there comes to something. I bent down, felt. I
was thrown into a cold sweat: it is lying dead. The sleeves of my blouse had become sticky.
I knew that sleep among the dead. Are my friends found murdered and thrown into mass graves?
From such thoughts have mercy hurts your heart.
No, nonsense. Began to move along the wall beyond. The wall is over a heap of sand.
Polezhayev a bit of sand, quiet, and went the other way. And again I found on the wall. There
was no exit. In vain, I crawl, scrape your fingers concrete wall.
All around me - some of the walls and rubble. Exit no.

A hand shovel podvernulas engineer. Rather hunt! But wherever you hit - everywhere blade
shovels download the tree. Zamurovan from all sides ...
Away from the boards and logs on a half-meter or two, once again earned spade. Earth emit in
the mid-blindage, podminayu under itself. Most will get on, take one of fresh air, look at the sky
and see the guys ... Better to be killed in battle than alive buried.
Kopa hard. Again, roll logs. What can I do demining shovel? Back to the middle bunkers.
It is stuffy. I fall on the cold quicksand. I try to remember - which is to be output. I can not come
to mind. In the ears of managers, with each minute's breathing becomes heavier. And suddenly
burns thought: the longer will lie idle, the sooner will come the death. It is necessary to extract
the fresh air!
Beru shovel again benefit between the logs in his hole. I work without rest, as the mole, broke all
the more. Behind the collapsed block sand, giving a leg. There seems to cut off the dug-out in ...
Not enough air. What a ball rolled up and stood across the throat - not breathe, or breathe out. In
the eyes flash multicolored sparks float rainbow circles. Of the latter, forces emphasized feet in
beam and byu shovel into the wall. Once, another third ... Lopata fails in nothing. Another leap
and ... At last! But the forces have left me, and I tknulsya face of the earth.
When raised his head, was a dark night. I gulp fresh air, could not have filled.
Inter logs and boards, I turned out, had done a good hole. Through him, and out of the bunkers.
In the side of the Volga trace bullets flew. The windows of the first floor office hardware plant
stitch Nazi machine gun. In the sky flared flares, illuminating pokorezhennoe canvas tram lines,
broken tramcars.
Now it became clear to me where I am and how to act. To reach out to her, it is necessary to
undermine the guns.
He returned again in blindage. We need grenades. But however hard they tried, but not crawled
but the floor, could not find a grenade. Dark. Need a light to look around. We need a match.
He began to feel the pockets of the dead. In one pocket zashurshal box and pouch with a shag.
Glad find, improvise samokrutku, chirknul match, to light. And in the same second notice - in the
deepening of the wall is a lamp «Katjusha», close - boxes of matches.
Lit the lamp, began to pull apart the sand, look for garnets. Near the wall on the floor before half
gravelly lying machines scattered everywhere rounds, finished discs [25] to the machine. And in
this store - a box of grenades F-1. Filling their pockets and protivogaznuyu bag, I got out of the
hole.
From the office window hardware factory was still beats fascist gun. Under the roar of
perepolzayu bursts from the crater to crater, pressed to the foundation office. Rocket exploded,
stripped of darkness sorokapyatimillimetrovuyu gun.
Another missile, and earned both a machine gun at the same time: one run in an easterly
direction, the other in the west. Flares flew unceasingly. The area was lighted all the time, and it
gave me an opportunity to consider all well. It became clear that the fascists vklinilis in our
defense, making the office a hardware plant in its stronghold.
One machine gun was installed in the first floor, the other - is somewhere near and slightly
above. Here they are again running, and I raised. Pull poplotnee backs to the wall and threw a
grenade through the window, then another third. Osmelel became comfortable and started
throwing more and more ...
On the east and west side office moved «cheers». It went over the top, as it turned out later, our
second and fourth company.
Nazi stronghold was dismantled office was again in our hands.
When commanders gathered in the basement, began to refine - who picked the first eroded, and
machine guns. Tried, ryadili, but for me not to think about.
At the entrance to the office, I met Nicholas Logvinenko. It is about something asking soldiers
cherkaya in his notebook. I understand that Nicholas collect material for the description of the
battle. And this is no longer painted dozens of pages to its slim style.
Seeing me, Logvinenko ostolbenel, then grabbed the sleeve and dragged [26] to the company
commander. We descended to the basement. Senior Lieutenant Bolsheshapov away from the
card, looked up.
I looked at Bolsheshapova with some astonishment. Why is he so closely peer in my face that I
wanted to ask?
- Alive! Look alive! - He shouted joyfully.
I looked around: of whom is he? A Bolsheshapov jumped from the table, ran towards me,
embraced, kissed.
- John, since we buried thee!
- Look-ka themselves, - said Natasa nurse and to me Tverdohlebova corner mirror.
Type I was terrible. A dirty, izmazano blood.
In basement came Captain Kotov. Looked at me, then the company commander.
- What is he injured or something?
- No, Comrade Captain, our glavstarshina from the light came back, - said with a smile
Bolsheshapov.
- Come, give oneself up, then tell that you happened - told me Kombat.
In a corner of the basement was a big fire barrel with water. Fascists will also enjoy the water
from the barrel, and I do not want to touch it, but do nothing to ...
I found Nicholas Logvinenko stanochek for the safety razor, someone found the blade is not the
first freshness. Brush as a flap bandage.
Shaved, washed, went to the captain and told everything as it was.6. Not taking breath
In the air round the German bombers - again flew the area of metal processing plant, meat and
benzohranilischa. We have studied the tactics of the German pilots and knew that the first visit
they will be heavy rain fugaski. These included a bomb deep into the ground, and then рвались,
sotryasaya entire neighborhoods.
Therefore, we have taken refuge in bunkers and trenches.
Here before our eyes vzdybilas wall of meat. Fugaska lifted her into the air and rasshvyryala in
hand. Smoke and dust mixture, a dark, stuffy.
When the dust settled, we saw that the blast threw a number of engine-tihookeantsa Leonid
Smirnov and dead fascist ...
The district also benzohranilischa рвались large caliber bombs. How tissue paper gnulas and
korezhilas plate benzotsistern. Fell a small bomb. Protrude tails of the bombs before my eyes -
who knew them when explode ... Adversary thing.
I am sitting in the trench next to Sasha Lebedev. He returned to the squadron from the hospital
just yesterday: The first fight came in an avalanche of burning gasoline.
Becoming hotter. From the transformer box fascists are discontinuous fire bullets. Around rush
shells. As pears from the inverted baskets, syplyutsya mines. Black smoke and dust zavoloklo
sky.
I looked at the forehead of Sasha Lebedeva made perspiration.
- Are you, Sasha?
- Otvyk ... Breathe nothing.
And here in front of our trenches broke fragmentation bomb. Dust coated all sitting and lying.
Sasha Lebedev rushed to the bottom of the trench, his head was near the foot Bolsheshapova.
Sasha's commander cautiously raised his head, looked at him and said:
- Nothing, privyknesh - and [27] pomolchav suddenly talk: - Here's to shoot, to shoot the Nazis,
and then flee to us. We have them, as always, warmly welcome, pricheshem, priutyuzhim,
prigreem, in short form, and razdenem time!
From the fourth company ran a connected - clothing on it dymitsya, eyebrows, eyelashes, hair
singed, scattered through the riding-breeches visible abrasions on his legs bleeding.
Communication reported Kombat:
- On the gully long fascist avtomatchiki go over the top. The commander of Company
avtomatchikov senior lieutenant Shetilov support requests.
Artillery shaft Germans just moved into the depth of our defense, and we began to wade to the
ravine.
Fascists were the three chains - one after the other, Leslie, forward, to the Volga.
Nurse Lenya Seleznyov, Nikolai Logvinenko, Gryazev soldiers brought a machine gun, installed
on the hill among the bricks. Machine gun worked like a clock. The first line of the fascists
zalegla, second, too, pressed to the ground.
Then notice: Nazi soldiers polzut to guns among the ruins.
Nicholas Logvinenko took machine, hang-zone, two antitank grenades and ran napererez. One
after another flew grenades. Do not expect the Germans such a meeting.
Our company in small groups start to move towards the glacier meat. From the top of the glacier
hit two machine gun.
We closely pinned to the ground. The right of me lying sailor Sasha Kormilitsyn. And suddenly
the left side will follow a slim soldier in the winding, helmets, tight for the most eyebrows.
Razdvigaya bricks helmets, it has spread to a heap of cobblestones. Bullets whistle on him
heavily.
I throw out of their bricks, hand rake out the land, in general, are buried deeper and deeper. And
a soldier in the winding all go and go forward. He was picked up by rubble, moved in the right
hand rifle with a tube top, the sight and - hles! First, one machine gun, then another. And those
silent!
We jumped up and shvyryaya grenades, scrambled to the glacier.
- What kind of soldier in the coil? - Then I asked a friend of a third company.
- This, Comrade glavstarshina, not soldiers.
- And who is it?
- This is the sergeant, a sniper Galifan Abzalov.
I had curiosity. I went to search the ambush, Sergeant Abzalova. Benefit from slow, heavy,
cumbersome - not learned yet. That's the point of sniper fire. I had to move them a couple of
words, asking about his work. But not enough time to open your mouth, as he saw the evil,
greenish-colored eyes:
- And well, engine, get out of here!
I like nothing had happened spread further. Think: the night not look it, then talk. Because I also
know how to shoot accurately, from childhood accustomed to save bullets.
It has been another day. Meeting with Abzalovym was held at the headquarters of the regiment.
There I and my fellow countryman Viktor Medvedev were included in the list of «hunting» for the
fascist beast.
At first it was necessary to learn how to choose the position to observe the enemy and fire on the
most important goals.
On the first day of «hunting», we have chosen a place in the ruins of individual houses. We liked
the house on the hill, or rather - a large former house cob oven. We were lying in the furnace of
the stove and watched everything that was done before us. [28]
Here it is - the battlefield. It is covered with corpses of German soldiers. Crawl hospital, assisting
the wounded.
I am outraged injustice: Nazi soldiers with medical bag over his shoulder, with a white bandage
on his left sleeve, not all their help, but by choice.
I do not know much, but something we Medvedev violated camouflage and found himself. Nazi
snipers zasekli rotozeev, and the first shot I got from them. Fortunately, the bullet hit in the
helmet and broke upon impact.
It was necessary to urgently change the position.
In the meantime, our fourth company under the command of Senior Lieutenant Efindeeva,
bringing the past forces exchanged fire with the group engaged the enemy, waste gullies long.
In the air again appeared fascist planes. They are deployed on the Volga to dive and slender
string dived in guschu smoke above the plant «Krasny Oktyabr». Then the bombs flew at
Mamaev Kurgan, the territory of meat and ldohranilischa. With each minute buzz of bomb
explosions, shells and mines to grow. Under the guise of fire shaft fresh German forces occupied
the starting point for a new attack on the ravine. It was seen as densely filled with soldiers of the
trench and the ruins. How many of them there - is difficult to determine. One for us is clear: No
matter how much it was - we have them at all was to delay, destroy, not to put to the bank of
Volga!
We could no longer remain a mere observer. Victor rushed to the positions of their mouth.
The next morning, the Germans once again rose up and drove to gully. But our artillery,
especially the «Katjusha», covered ravine shells. Hitlerites caught fire in the bag. How many of
them fell there - it is difficult to count.
But some shells lozhilis in our location. Oskolkov fought Itkulova warrant officer. He died in that
hour, and my fellow-krasnoufimets Kuzma Afonin. I served with him in a carriage, but he
revealed to me in its entirety of its beauty and spiritual at the meeting with his mother in
Krasnoufimsk when we, the Pacific Fleet sailors, unloaded from the train and on foot march
moved through the city. Moros fine warm rain - morning, like the night dew. Cobble-stones
causeway street light moisture gloss on polished stones. We went to the clothing bags with clear
eyes. Towards housewives come across. They hurried to the market, but our parade stopped,
sharili eyes on rows of sailors, finding friends.
Kuzma Afonin tried to be in the limelight, leaving out the right side, then left to better see the
counter - whether there are among them a mother. Tried to run forward, but the commander of
the column back to the system. Pillar led the chief captain of the 3-tier rank Filippov. He would
like to draw residents Krasnoufimsk. Head held high, chin stretched forward. At long shleykah,
clinging knee, right leg, loose the pistol in the holster.
Across the street of identical houses, one with a verandah with beautiful tesovymi gates, and
gates. All of us with envy and sympathetic look at Kuzma Afonin. He in his native city, is on the
street, where hundreds of thousands of times ran in childhood. Identifies by name and
patronymic occupant of each house, as if checking its memory. Then Kuzma vzdrognul, pale and
shouted for joy:
- This is my home and my mom standing at the gate ...
The joy and excitement as electrical [29] talk, they pierced the entire column of sailors. Afonin
requests permission from the commander's order to leave and go to his mother. All the sailors
turned their heads to the house, at the gate of which was low in the old gray cloth. Her dark
blouse with a string up sleeves to the elbow lost on one shoulder, black skirt has a side hem
double under the belt, worn shoes on earth, kind, worked on the garden.
The convoy stopped without command.
Kuzma went out and ran to his mother. She learned of her son.
- Kuzenka, synochek ...
She wanted to run to meet him, but feet podkashivalis not heard it.
- What is it, I do not sleep there? - To carry us her voice.
We looked at that meeting, and everyone was thinking about his mother.
Mother - is a sacred word. This is the pride of ... This is the root of the family. Mother - that
human immortality. The first word refers to it - «ma-ma». A man leaves the life, to his last dying
word of mouth is also drawn to the mother. Deeper, cleaner, finer maternal love for her children
in the world no.
Kuzma ran to his mother. Roslyi strong. He took her arm, and before the whole parade of
seafarers long as a small child, shook on the chest. He knew it was not for the banquet. The war
is not without casualties. Perhaps the last time in the life pressed to maternal heart. He cried. I
do not know whether it is tears of joy or sorrow, but they were sincere.
Stroy seamen stood, with bated breath.
Standing in front of us so with his mother in her arms, Kuzma foot pushed the door of the gate
and escaped into the yard. What happened there, behind a wooden fence, I have not seen, but
when the line moved forward, our ranks leveled and beaten poslyshalsya step. We would
welcome as a mother Kuzma Afonin, walking chased step bulyzhnoy bridge.
For extreme houses began gardens, which ended in bushes. During the bush was a mixed forest
ridge. Middle of the forest radiated is small, all besprent colors green Polianka. In the middle of
this wonderful site, as on demand, increased branching birch. Here we stopped. Russian birch
and mother Kuzma Afonina stood in front of my eyes as the personification of the homeland. It
caught up with us Kuzma. How much joy and sadness was in his eyes. It is the same as I looked
at birch, smiled, then sighed heavily:
- No, John, survive, so his mother told ...
So there it died. Dictate the mother did not came to pass. How to write to her about it? While I
will not write, but will try for him and for themselves to fulfill mission. While see your eyes, my
rifle bullets and the machine will not give the enemy no quarter. Byu as I can, just for living
purposes. This makes my battle comrades. Mstim for Kuzma Afonina for deceased friends ...
All the same group of German avtomatchikov punch to the Volga. 13th Guards Division of
General AI Rodimtseva - rather, it rests - has been cut off from the main army.
On the orders of the commander of 62 th Army here was thrown Battalion Safety of Staff and
Reserve tank company. They have set a task: to destroy their way to the Volga avtomatchikov
opponent.
The commander of the regiment, Major Metelev for his part cast for that part of the group
avtomatchikov and second machine-gun squadron commanded by [30] Senior Lieutenant
Bolsheshapova.
The battle lasted about four hours. The second link between our regiment and guardsmen
Rodimtseva again restored. Only at the 13th Guards Division, dvuhstah meters from the western
edge of the ravine Long, fascist avtomatchiki held three white brick house.
A small respite gave us an opportunity to replenish stocks of ammunition, grenades, machine

guns to repair, restore minefields.
Twilight again appeared before the enemy aircraft. Now, dive-bomber rained their bombs in a
ravine long.
They caught me and this bombing.
The flames, smoke, reverberation of thunder - all merged together. Avtomatchiki from the mouth
of senior lieutenants Shetilova and Efindeeva zalegli in a ravine. Shelter had everything: us, the
survivors are able to fight, still five times smaller than the advancing.
At this time the fascists drove to the Volga, its allies - the Romanian company. We already know
that the Romanian officers, spearheading the attack, orut full throat, as if trying to shout down
the noise of battle. And when I heard a cry, it became clear - who is. Well, do not take us cry!
Despite the numerical superiority of the Romanians, the sailors stood. Not a step was not
retreated.7. On the day of calm
At my feet - kirzovye boots with someone else's legs forty-third the size, with short broad bootleg.
On the heels - iron horseshoes. My foot is quite able to hear the Nazi soldiers who were in the
same shop on the other side of the wall.
Once I descended the stairs to the basement and suddenly felt that I was someone lie. So true.
Because the column was a girl, low growth, medicine bag on his shoulder.
- Here's how a mistake, according to hearsay.
- What do you wrong, dear? - I asked.
- How so?
The girl smiled and took me by the elbow and led to the bright side of the basement. I obediently
walked, looking at her profile ... No, it's not Maria Loskutova. Masha left on the other side of the
Volga River in medsanbate, and she seems to have forgotten about the oath in the car or do not
believe that I am still alive and active in this infernal heat. Incredible, but true ...
Finally we were on the light. A girl reminded me of something familiar.
- So what do you wrong?
- Heard a tap steps and decided that a tall, healthy man, - she said, and pomolchav, admitted: -
remembered one молодца, glad, that's hidden behind a pillar.
Yes, I was late. Someone is already captured in its «captivity».
- And know that fellow, that you love him?
She looked at me fixedly, screw up one's eyes shaggy eyebrows and cut:
- As I - fool to talk to him about it?
- But I have something you recognize ...
She felt in my voice a sneer.
- I do not know you, why would I with you do not talk about it? - I looked from top to toe. - Where
are you both blouse and trousers, patted!
- Yes here podvernulas a job of work at night. Naporolsya on the barbed wire.
In the hands of a girl with a long needle cotton green. No sooner was my eye, hair, as she had
already engaged in nodule and had to mend my trousers hole. [31]
When the trousers were finished, she ordered:
- Sit down, sailor, removes blouse.
I can not bring myself to beg: it was a pleasure to sit with a beautiful girl.
She worked needle quickly as dressmaker, but I was not limited to her eyes, trying to remember
where I saw that person.
It felt to me, my gaze, lifted her head jerks:
- Well, what are you to me eyes pyalish? Another fall in love.
- Late. Warn you had before, when traveling from Vladivostok.
- Small, slim, snub-nosed, blue-eyed men hate it, not perenoshu, I hate! - Cut it. - Understand?
- Almost - I answered.
- You are a hero not my novel. Here zashyu your shirt - and duy top, lez, under barbed wire.
Probably the thought that I - sapper.
In order not to remain in debt, I decided poizdevatsya over their unknown tall «rival»:
- The long good dogs to hang - and said, sitting, waiting, that she would respond.
- A Cats nizenkih to be free ... Got it? I hate I can not smell cat.
- Of course, can - I have confirmed.
- Agrees slabak. Nothing much to say?
- Yes, there are Koi that.
- And there are times - not agree, say.
- People still saying: «great figure, so fool. Mal valve, so the roads ».
My interlocutrix off the bricks, like boiling water oshparennaya, tossed my blouse, along with the
needle.
- The number you are clever, sew it. Also, I found a «slide»!
They did not even looked, ran and lost the top of the ruins.
I sat down at a place where just sitting girl, darn the last hole on the sleeves, tuck a needle and
cotton, under the flap breast pockets and said bitterly to himself: «Do not gozhus in ostroslovy
...»
Thus began my seventh day of October.
In Stalingrad in the day was relatively calm.
We repaired shroud «Maxima», prepared for the spare machine-gun barrels, tamp the tape
cartridges, grenades were collected by different systems from all the warring nations.
Nazis, too, that did not raise the noise.
The night was busy, agony of suspense.
Involved in the dawn - and zatreschali guns. And when rassvelo, there was a fight in the vicinity
of the plant «Krasny Oktyabr» and meat. As the resin in a large pot, Kipelov and bubbles on the
surface Mamayev barrow.
Only on the defense of our battalion - metal factory - the opponent was silent. I want to shout:
«What are you waiting for, bastards, go!»
And only ten hours to hit our guns, then mortars, then, seems to be to take stock «outcome»,
there were airplanes. Bombs рвались everywhere. Rushilis polutorametrovye wall, split fire-clay,
gnulis metal girders, reinforced concrete floors fell.
And suddenly, all at once silent: flew aircraft artillery fire moved into the depths of our defense.
So, wait the attack. We have to shoot at the time was none. Some tump, others lay still with
open eyes ... [32]
But the attack was not.
Suffered from bombing and the Germans, even, perhaps, more of us. At night we do not hinder
them closer to our front side. There are a lot of them. And now can not be seen, to recover from
their own bombs ... In general, the time of the attack, they missed, but we managed to gain new
ground.
On the second floor office hardware plant senior lieutenant Bolsheshapov found guns. It was a
perfect position: bombing cleared the pile of ruins, arc of fire increased.
Finally the Germans wake and fell in the attack. The distance between us was one hundred and
fifty meters. Earned our guns. The first line of the advancing almost to stop some of the walls of
the boiler plant. To suppress the machine guns, fascists vykatili gun and opened fire direct-fire.
Now the shells рвались inside the office. Our gunner silent.
It was necessary to destroy the gun or its crew. But how? Sniper fire or grenades? And who
would do this?
On the company commander's eyes caught Sasha Kolentev, low growth Uralsky lad, sniper. He
always appeared suddenly in the most critical time. Dressed easier for ordinary infantry soldiers.
Thin, thin legs crocked dirty windings, izodrannaya, propotevshaya blouse, izmazannaya blood
and mud, it seemed vrosla in the skin. Mauled by shrapnel helmet tight on the head to the ears
and big blue eyes shine Zadornov. It was he - knew about it is - throwing a grenade, happened,
shouted: «Fritz, catch!» Or: «dismiss, the fascists, grenades fly!»
And here we have Sasha on the roof of office. How to get it there, under fire? Firing times,
second, third ... and then it hlestnuli the enemy machine guns. Sasha recoil sideways. His sniper
rifle hanging on the wall projection. Is killed? Lenya became a paramedic Seleznyov wade out
into the corridor office. Podpolz closer, he shouted:
- Sasha, are you alive?
- Live, you can not just move - poslyshalsya response. - I took the two sniper sight. Stay away ...
Seleznyov quickly came back, reported to the commander of the battalion.
- Oh, youth! .. - Kombat grumbling. - Pogoryachilsya guy. His youth would still be so
temperamental head judiciously. Here is what I need in the battalion.
- The philosophy is good after the fight, - noticed zampolit Yablochkina ...
- Gun must undermine grenades - said Kombat.
Perform this task offered a connected company the fourth Pronischev, broad-shouldered, pug-
nosed, blue-eyed Siberian.
- Come here, look - called him to imagine Kombat. - Now you, bending, running, running cross
court from the very walls zalyazhete. Good look. Take notice, with a sweep of the hand. From
under the walls of the boiler shop crawling down into the funnel, then - to the steam locomotive.
Because of the locomotive, and throw grenades. You will cover the snipers. Remember, the path
dangerous, difficult task, act not hurrying, in cold blood. You understand me?
- Sure, the second year fight.
Pronischev corrected antitank grenades on the belt, loaded automatic, kozyrnul and ran out of
the shop.
Near me stood Misha Maasai. I asked him:
- Well, how come?
- Must. If enough excerpts ...
Pronischev rapid shots crossed the yard. Now he had to heal from the wall, as chastised [33]
Combat, but Pronischev immediately ran to the boiler shop.
- Back! - Shouted Kombat. - Come back!
Upon being satisfied that the shouting is useless Kombat stopped. Pronischev ran for an open
seat, rounded boiler. Here it is already poravnyalsya from the transformer box. Fascists do not
shoot. Maybe the thought that Russian soldiers running to them in captivity ...
Before the locomotive remained fifteen meters. «And there it will not reach», - I thought to
myself.
And then running guns. Pronischev yanked, stopped, turned to our side and fell. We are all
numb. Combat stood pale, silent.
- Here's what causes unreasonable risk - he finally said. - Oh, Pronischev ...
Commanders looked at each other, as though silently advice. Then Kombat turned to us and feel
like something trivial, said:
- Who will be able to undermine this gun?
I looked at Misha Massayev, he said eye: «Come on!»
- Enable, Comrade Captain, we have to Massayev!
Maasai - healthy, strong sailor with a famously twisted mustache - stood next to me. The
commander of the battalion looked at the senior lieutenant Bolsheshapova, as if asking him: «I
like your sailors?»
Bolsheshapov replied:
- Will be assured.
Combat came and looked us in the eye, then asked:
- How to act?
First proberemsya shop along the wall, more ... - I found a finger in the trench.
- So, on the fascists decided to walk?
- Next - underground pipe пролезет people. According to her - in the boiler room, our machine
gunner, and then crawling - to the steam locomotive. Because of the locomotive threw a
grenade.
- So, then, under the ground ... Okay. Just do not rush. Here, we can not help you, it all depends
on you, understand?
- Of course! - We answered.
Combat, putting his big hands on our shoulders, said:
- Well in the good way submariners ...
«Submariners» he called all the sailors.
Come on trench. Misha stepped on his chest dead fascist - leg collapsed ... Almost fell. But so
far everything went smoothly.
Polezli in underground pipe. I - first, Misha - for me. Damp, dark, stuffy, under the hands slippery
and Lipko. Turn can not be - closely. I have nothing but Misha bulky, broad shoulders he has. I
heard his heavy, jerky breathing. We need to stop, wait.
Misha podpolzaet, sopit and pushes me: benefit, they say, beyond what razlegsya.
The pipe turns. In the nose hit the fresh air. Apparently, somewhere near break even, or any
outlet. It has become easier.
Benefit for the branch pipe to the right. It takes about five minutes. We find ourselves in the brick
pit, covered an iron lid. This is one of mezhtsehovyh ditches that unite the factory sewer. Lezhim
and think: where we are - under the department employed by fascists, or under the boiler room,
where sat our gunner, who during the last bout came in the environment?
Misha sat back one door iron lid.
- Well, what is it?
- In such a crack to see how ...
- Reject the cover!
When the cover is rolled, we saw that were in one huge shop with charred walls. [34] Throughout
the shop whistle bullets. They impact on the machines, sculpting spark. Near the machine a
handful of raw parts. Falling on them, lie on stomach, on the back, on the side of the dead
soldiers. And fascists, and our comrades, sailors, tihookeantsy ... In the shop, no movement.
We are out of the pit, podpolzli to the machine by pushing. Roof of the shop has long been
demolished, and we saw the sky. They were sitting aircraft went dogfight. Rattle guns.
Peredohnuv, popolzli to the boiler room.
Maasai slip and sweep the place waiting for me in the boiler room by pushing against the wall. I
rvanulsya was to it, but it zatreschali machines, zahlopali rifle shots - we noticed.
It burned his right leg above the knee. The foot has become harder and more like a long - is
clinging to a ledge. A fire all the stronger. Slowly moving forward, to get to Misha. I vzmok.
Clothing drabble blood. Raised, went to the hole, which looked Misha.
He asked:
- Wounded?
I had a negative motnul head.
In the boiler room turned six avtomatchikov and one gunner - sailor Plaksin.
Cut off from the battalion, they turned the boiler room in this castle and take the attack to attack.
We wonder Misha nous and cunning boys. They assembled machine guns, directed their fire
power in the gap walls. Each machine prikruchen piece of plumbing pipe, through the tube
prodeta wire, one end of it is bound to trigger a hook, and another - to avtomatchiku duty. And
Plaksina three embrasure - mounted machine guns.
I asked him:
- How did you managed, how operating your bow? Plaksin smiled:
- Won a machine gun and a couple of these machines at once struck by the door, you see -
directly to the transformer box.
Based on the density of fire, the Germans probably felt that in the boiler room not less than the
company!
We have agreed how to proceed. We decided that when we wade to steam, Plaksin cover us
with fire of his machine gun.
Fours became way to steam. Around svisteli and burst exploding bullets.
Combat noticed our advance: in the air vzvilas green missile. It was a hypothetical signal and a
sign of approval: «We can see you!»
Abdomen skolznuli to the bottom of the crater.
- Misha, saw us welcomed Kombat? - I asked.
Misha zashipel as goose:
- What I brace up, do you think of Kazan Tatar frightened? I behold him now show how the
sailors are able to have fun ...
He was put out of the crater, but I kept it in time: just before the nose split explosive bullet.
Red rocket to the transformer box, we identified the risk.
Talking machine gun. This Plaksin. Well done!
My elbows are easily and quickly suffered me forward. Misha, seeing that I have reached the
locomotive, followed by me. Benefit from it cumbersome, difficult. Hitler avtomatchiki opened
fire on him from the transformer box.
What should I do? I could throw grenades himself and undermine the gun, but it is necessary to
rescue comrades.
A locomotive was lying Pronischev. He was seriously wounded. Next to him - a rifle. I took it,
took refuge in a wheel [35] locomotive, prikinul distance - and fired.
A barrel in the transformer box was gone. Second avtomatchik threw bricks at the ruins, zaleg
and again opened fire. I aimed, shot, and clearly saw as a fascist tknulsya nose.
Misha Maasai engine to get to safe and sound.
Prior to the fascist gun was ten meters. Maasai - a healthy boy, his hands long. He got up, went
for the engine and threw one over the other two anti-tank grenades.
From the first explosion gun jumped and turned awry, from the second to fall off the wheel, and
barrel, as zenitki, Zadran up.
It seems that the dead lay, and maids.
Fascists, probably waiting for our attack. But no they are not attacked. Then they decided to
surround us and to live. Not here it was: once again earned Plaksina gun.
We must depart. I ordered Massayev capture Pronischeva and otpolzat to the funnel, and the left
cover them. Misha put out from under the locomotive - and fell. Fortunately, the bullet struck in
the helmet. Misha oglushilo only for a few seconds.
Home dusk. After clearance of the wheel, I saw: the right polzut two Nazis. Longer stay can not
be sure catch. Threw the last grenade and ran to the funnel.
Pronischev lying at the bottom of the crater, moan and repeat:
- Water ... Water ...
Maasai bandage his chest.
It became very dark. In the boiler room waiting for us guys ...
Misha Pronischeva putting themselves, has spread in the boiler room. I'm for it.
Has been slow - suffer fatigue. We trace the bullets flew, as if pointing the way fascists: «They
polzut, Beit them!»
We did not think that dotyanem Pronischeva to the boiler house alive, but decided not to leave
even the dead fascists.
In the boiler room was dark and quiet.
U «Maxima» Plaksin lay seriously injured. Misha dragged him aside, he woke up and whispered:
- The Germans are here ... - And again lost consciousness.
More in the boiler room or a living soul was not.
We slowly approached the door and suddenly heard steps behind the wall and talk of fascists.
So, it does not go ...
Pronischev coming to consciousness, murmured something disjoint, then silence again. We

moved it, put next to Plaksin.
Voices of the fascists away. We fell into the hatch, and agreed to: Misha proberetsya in the
battalion, and I will stay here to guard the wounded.
Misha left. I got out of the hatch, listened. I thought: if the Nazis polezut, hurled their grenades
will shoot out of the machine. In extreme cases, open the hatch, down in the trench and then I
will defend comrades.
Zanyla injured leg. I lay against the wall. Polezhayev a little, then raised, inspected grenades,
automatic. I was armed and was feeling confident.
On the east wall of the boiler house whip our gun. Some bullets fly in the boiler room. I waited for
the emergence of Nazi soldiers from the locomotive. But they do not go.
Finally the beginning of dawn.
On the east side zastrochili machines, zabuhali grenade. I Pull tight to the wall, took up the ring
grenades. Who are you here now? ..
And suddenly - Russian speech!
What is the strength, I shouted: [36]
- Brattsy! Here is alive!
- We know! - Poslyshalos response.
It was Bolsheshapov. Its a group of soldiers led here Misha Maasai.Help

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Enter text or a webpage URL. Translation: Russian » English
8. Become a sniper
Five consecutive days, starting from early morning until noon on 16 October-21 th German
troops attacked our positions in the factory district of Stalingrad. Aircraft, artillery, tanks and
infantry - everything was thrown to the suppression of our defense. Fascists decided to break this
to the Volga at all costs. They osatanelo Leslie forward, regardless of losses. Sometimes think
that Hitler had decided to sink in the blood is all its army.
First main shock was applied to the tractor and Barrikadnaya plants - in three to four kilometers
of the right of our division, defending the territory of the factory of metal products, oil, meat, and
half Mamayev mound.
What to do in the area of tractor plant - difficult for me to retell, I was not there. But even on the
part of it was terribly watch. Hundreds of planes circled over the free end of the plant. Someone
has calculated that only 14 October at the Tractor and Barrikadnaya was committed about three
thousand sortie. How many bombs fell on every defender of the area? Calculate easy, knowing
that there is no defensive three full division (one of them, 112-I, was reduced in the regiment -
and six active bayonets). In short, only for one day, the Germans spent there for each soldier on
a half-dozen bombs.
But the plot is still met fierce resistance to the fascists. Our soldiers learned to live in the flames.
The enemy probably thought that this fire stones, fire bricks, shot dead. And fascists are not
spared either bombs or missiles, or mines, trying to grind in the sand, even the stones and
bricks, have spared no ammunition and the dead, pressure of tank tracks ...
Hard to watch from where it is difficult to account for friends. It seems that the very best there is.
Such is the nature Russian soldier. That is why we asked the commander of our division,
Nicholas Philippovich Batiouk send us, the Marines, the right-neighbor. But he said:
- Only the enemy and waiting for us to plot its defense exposed.
And do not mistake our colonel, whom we nicknamed - refractory Batyuk. Not without reason, he
was commander of fondling 62-th ...
After dvuhsutochnoy «threshing» the plant «Krasny Oktyabr» Center burn shock Germans began
to move. Vzdybilas land and on our site.
What to think about at this point the neighbors left and right - I do not know. How many bombs
on vyvalilos metal products factory shops, where to defend our battalion, which remained in
rotah for twenty - thirty-active bayonets - to count it once. I will say only that it is only in the first
hour of processing positions of our battalion Hitler dive-bomber groups of three to nine each
have made four calls. Rained and rained bombs ...
After the air strikes followed by artillery mortar. Solid tornado.
The first attack we otbili infantry machine-gun fire. The second - grenades and fire rifles. Another
attack has started massive onslaught of Nazi grenadiers on three sides. I had to join hand to
hand, first on the right side of defense, [37] and then in the center and then on the left - in the
instrumental department. I just zazevalsya, and a grenadier managed to get back to my flat, like
a knife, a bayonet.
... Somehow turned to the battalion command post, I stand next to the Combat near the gap in
the wall. Noon.
The battle is not relieved. Columns of smoke, dust rises, valyatsya walls - bombard the dead and
seriously injured ...
There are two old soldiers from the stretcher. They brought a wounded sailor, silently laid him
next to us on the poncho quick step back and crossed the territory of the factory yard,
peremahnuli canvas tramways, roads, and fled to the destroyed wooden buildings.
So, probably, podkinuli here and me, but I ochuhalsya, arose.
No breathing, our waste. Toolroom again captured Nazis. Turning left in the neutral zone.
Ldohranilische Germans otbili. The fourth rifle company of senior lieutenant Efindeeva retreated
for the tram line and settled on the edge of an unfinished red brick house.
The day before yesterday there was a regiment commander, Major Metelev. He ordered me to
appoint a sniper. It happened this way. Sit in a hole, listening to the regiment commander. Lull.
Suddenly my friend Misha Maasai that had surveillance of the enemy, he shouted to me:
- John, Fritz appeared.
I vskinul rifle, and almost no aiming, gave a shot. Fritz fell. After a few seconds, there came the
second. I and a second stowed.
- Who is shooting? - Asked the commander of the regiment, watched the scene through
binoculars.
Combat reported:
- Glavstarshina Zaitsev.
- Give it to sniper rifles, - commanded by Major. And, having called me, told:
- Comrade Zaitsev, consider all of the fascists who kill. The two already have. With them and
start their own expense ...
I realized this is an indication of the regiment commander, as the writ, but proceed to implement
it on all the rules could not: do not let the situation.
And today, our battalion was in poluokruzhenii. We stayed one way - down a ravine in the long
and the bottom of the ravine - to the territory of the oil. And there between pipes can be
imperceptible to get to the sixty-second crossing. This trail in the battalion knew only three
people: me, myself and Michael Maasai Kombat, but none of us want to think about it: path to
pull the retreat ...
To not think about it, I lifted his head. There, on top, below the roof mounted vent. In the
chimney fan blade, the fan has an iron staircase ladder.
The day before yesterday, I have used this building for the fire of a sniper. Above the well was
shown the location of the fascists. Next to me near the fan started the fire artillery spotter Senior
Sergeant Vasily Feofanov. Connect with Basil worked poorly in the tube rattle, squeak, he was
nervous, screamed, and I am slowly re rifle ...
I liked the choice to beat. After each shot seemed to hear the bullet hit the head of the enemy.
Someone looking in my direction, not knowing that they live the last moment ...
That was yesterday. Again to take this position. But I had to think about it, as the shock wave
turns the pipe, cut off from the wall ladder. From the city of fragments, we managed to sneak in
the basement.
The basement was a medical [38] para battalion. Klava lead and Dora Shakhnovich - the same
nurse that I sew blouse and trousers, - bind the wounded. And then I remembered that it is
necessary to show their pace: on the road in the bandage fell down the cellar, and I felt like
running on the leg warm trickle.
Come to Dora. She raised their black eyes and the kind of tongue-in-cheek rigor said:
- Was, irrepressible. Again you sadanulo!
- No, sister, this time carried.
- Well you lezesh on my eyes?
- Влюбился!
- Took the time ...
She continued to tie a sailor's head, as if not seeing me. I stood and waited. Finally it straight, let
it run vatku in alcohol, proterla hands.
- Well, say, love that you have there!
- Yes, behold, the band move with the holes. It seems that the blood goes.
- Well you are standing and the language melesh! And well, alive, removes pants, see your
holes.
I'm embarrassed. I'm actually slowly unfasten the belt.

- Quick, down below the knees!
Smell of alcohol, pleasantly lighted wound.
- I have holes in your plaster imposed, any more secure dressings. That's all you can wear. [39]
I reached down, and from under the shirt at the waist seemed to blood.
- And well, obozhdi.
Then she found me in the back bayonet wound.
After dressing, I headed for the exit from the basement. There was the commander of the
battalion captain Kotov. Near - Logvinenko, someone else.
Combat stood a little, like making sure that we came all overshadowed the door, he shouted:
«For me!» - And threw to the ravines long.
Run on the ruins, jump over logs, I was hard. Combat stop: somewhere in the middle it got a
deep trench. Then I caught up with him. The captain sat silently in a corner by pushing back
against the wall. His pale face covered with drops of sweat.
I sat near him, a little breath, then asked, rather ask myself the question:
- Left infirmary, injured. Is it for the praise ...
Captain Kotov if awakened, stood silently, corrected on the side of machine, vypolz at the
breastwork, roll the head, spat in the direction of office hardware plant and rushed back. We are
behind him. Enemy machine guns pinned us to the foundations of homes.
The first floor and below stairs of the houses were overcrowded by our fighters. In two large halls
of the wounded were lying. Among them, metal stretcher Leonid Seleznev. They went and crept
soldiers [40] from different sides. Approaches to the house covered avtomatchiki Company
Yevgenia Shetilova. Here the captain stopped and Kotov,
Shame we had to watch each other's eyes - and fled to the Volga River ... Shame.
I could not sit idle. IŞKUR of annoyance mahorochnuyu samokrutku to burn the lips, decided to
climb to the second floor.
They walk in all the growth was not: the door and window openings bullets fly. I lay on your
stomach and crawling to get to a break in the brick wall disguised as a bunch of boards. It
became evident that the home run fascist gun.
For my machine, grenades, a pistol for the belt. All weapons for close combat, and up to
machine guns, three hundred meters. Need a rifle. What to do? Again, it is necessary out from
under the planks. Decided to back out, so as not to destroy the camouflage. Just moved - I hear
the voice of Nicholas Logvinenko:
- Do you roll? Again wounded?
- No. I see Nazi machine gun, a rifle, bring it from the basement.
Nicholas quickly brought the rifle. Beru to fly gunner's head. The shot - and the machine gun
stopped. Two more shots - and two podnoschika cartridges podergavshis, frustrated about her
words close to the gunner.
Only three sighting shots - and our battalion is alive. Run communications, messengers,
podnoschiki ammunition.
Here, it seems, only now the infantry commanders began to see that I have the correct people in
the small office.
And, sometimes, looking at me like: growth small and do not know how to do - clerk ...
What to say, a lot of minutes, it was annoying when we sailors joined in Rifle Division. I
remember still there, in Krasnoufimsk to build krasnoflottsev rolled up line army. At the bar - a
few infantry commanders. Some gleam to blouse combat awards - old people. The head of our
team clapped a hand on the portfolio, as though to say:
- Here they are where I have all my молодчики. Get. Five years to grow, cultivate, prepare for
sea battle. But if you need to test our strength on land, here we come ...
Has begun the distribution of units and services. Each commander selected a people. I can see
is those who pozdorovee, stronger, sift, like through the sieve. Tiny flies to waste, but still large -
to go. Such as Afonin, Starostin - immediately in the gunners. Such a selection, I obviously do
not like: my professional accountant clerk. This specialist combat commanders do not need.
Someone even said:
- On What the hell do I need your pisarchuk, on my part, and without him this kindness
предостаточно.
The total column of seafarers melts, the costs of their units. I stand at the side, killing the mood. I
agree you anywhere, on any post, only to be quickly solved. How hard to feel superfluous,
unnecessary. Who is to blame - do not understand. Come closer to the boss. Met with the look of
a senior lieutenant, gunner, on the chest by the Order of the Red Banner. As it turned out later, it
was Ilya Schuklin, commander of the battery of antitank guns. It is distinguished in the battles of
Kastornoy now asks one person to staff the squad.
- Here's my take from the reserve glavstarshinu Zaytseva. Secondary education, professional
guy. Probably will come. [41]
- So I need a gunner, not a financier, - cut off Schuklin.
Only at the end of the day I took in economic platoon second battalion.
Even in Vladivostok before sending to the front, I hit the company, commanded by Lieutenant
Trofimov. He ably conducted training sessions on the reception-hand combat. At the time of
study, he shouted to his opponent:
- Is cracking down on this, zlis, as in this fight.
As we tried to attack the lieutenant, but he skillfully avoided them. It must be me chuckle, it
easily:
- Rostochek you for the work of small hand-to-hand, Friend glavstarshina again - hands
korotkovaty. Breadth you distributed, and the growth did not come out.
At the same time, Lieutenant Trofimov transferred me to the personnel department of aviation
parts.
Came to the headquarters, as was ordered. In a small room for a desk sat a Major General in the
summer. At its head there was no one volosinki why the skin on the head seemed thin as tissue
paper and sparkled. Thin lips, heavy chin, fleshy nose does not please me. On the table lay the
pile of cards to account for personnel. In the cart, it was pointed out that I am an excellent
shooter.
After my report, Major long, not migaya, looked at me as if I wanted to see something special, do
not know. I felt from such a close look uncomfortable and decided to answer the same.
Vytaraschil and I have their eyes on the boss. I do not know what at that time thought major, but
thought I answered him: such a sight endure.
Apparently, Major tired to keep quiet, he decided to ask me a question:
- Where to learn shoot?
- In the navy.
- Fleet wide.
- The school of arms, - I said to Major just briefly.
- Now I will teach you how you want to really shoot.
After these words, my mood completely deteriorated: still learn from him, and the war will end.
Mayor gave details of what I will learn.
I listened to the end and the mayor responded:
- Are you going to teach me to shoot, and they shoot worse than me. I ask for the second year of
the front edge of the existing army and want to beat the enemy, not the target.
My sharp tone to give the major, but something happened that I was not expecting.
Mayor off his chair, approached me, took my hand and began to shake her, and continue to
sentence:
- Yes you are also a real sailor, not hlyupik. Some at the slightest possibility of seeking to
anywhere from the front off, just not at war, and how you won. Ok. Thy request I am satisfied.
You're free.
After these words I wanted to hug and smother with kisses of brotherly lysogo, goggle-eyed man.
It was never thought that this at first sight are rusks sensitive soul.
So I refused the school-shooting radio.
Then, finding themselves in the machine-gun company Bolsheshapova, I have to show their
ability to Ural-arrow hunters.
The strict, demanding and sensitive commander as a machine gunner on a halt, even on the way
to Stalingrad, he planted himself next to me near the machine gun and asked:
- Sense that something in this car?
- Something that I know - I answered. And start quickly, almost without looking, to deal with a
machine gun. [42]
Senior lieutenant looks, smiles ...

At a halt next to me came Kombat Captain Kotov.
- Negotiable reported, if you do not know the gun and not shoot well. And, behold, I doubt it. How
much the financial well shoot when they are every year at the firing range there.
I hurt it. On the food front, but there is mistrust.
- Зря you do, Comrade Captain. I could not be worse than you shoot ...
- Okay, check.
- Please.
- Reutov! - Shouted ordinartsu Kombat. - Thirty-out steps, put the bottle to my bottom.
Close to Combat topchetsya Bolsheshapov embarrassing - for me ill. Combat is removed from
holsters gun, aims at the bottle. The shot, the second - the bottle with ring razletaetsya.
- Good shot at - dare I noticed. Combat turns to me and says:
- In the bottle to you, of course, difficult to get, so try in my cap.
And gives me a pistol with three bullets.
- No caps will be, comrade Captain.
Meanwhile Reutov Kombat runs with cap and puts it on the place just to lay this bottle.
I was comfortable, his left hand behind his back, the sight and slowly pulled the trigger.
Poshevelnulas cap. Sailors, observed the whole picture, zashumeli.
Send to a goal from Combat together. The bullet completely beg cap. The captain silently put on
her and set the bottle.
I have two more round. Shoot, and the neck of a bottle fly off.
- Ur-a! - Shouting sailors. - That we, the naval!
- Well done - agreed with the seamen Kombat. - Here you parabellum and hundreds of rounds of
ammunition. Stay in the machine-gun company. Bay fascists.
- Thank you, Comrade Captain! I would be beat!
Sailors greeted me with «baptism of fire». Found dubious: they say, Zaytseva just lucky ...
- Fortunate to say? - Peresprosil someone. - A pro Uralic hunters you heard anything? No? So
quiet ...
The final recognition of my abilities mark the arrow has already been established here in the
battles for the hardware plant. Three of my accurate shots silenced gun that does not give
comrades raised his head.
Night. In-air missiles erupted. Glare alternated with impenetrable darkness. On the second floor,
we went down. I went into the compartment to the battalion commander. He sat on the poncho,
one's under their feet, talking on the phone. Of the snippy sentences it became clear to me that
during the night, we must restore the lost positions. So one would expect. The night shall be
ours!- Needed «fenki» and «degtyarevki» without shirts - said Kombat. He asked grenades:
«fenki» - F-1, «degtyarevki» - WGG without defensive cover. Combat already knew the
instructions of General Chuikov: «Before the attack, the seizure of ten - twelve grenades ...
Break into the house together - you da grenade: be both easy to wear: you are free clothing bag
grenade - without a shirt! »
Perfect weapons - a grenade.
We load them, as they say, under the string. Load and go. The night we ...
Oh, and got Nazis on our «pocket» artillery fire that night ...
By the morning we re-established their position [43] to Kuznechny shop hardware plant.
Battalion command post moved to the same blacksmith shop. The shop was divided blank wall
of white brick. The wall that had its own Butova foundation and walls in the upper left part of the
roof, more than half a meter. All round destroyed a wall and is worth sharing the defenders of
Stalingrad and the Nazis. Heard a cough, talk of enemies. Each step must be done with caution.
A few days ago, Sasha Reutov done digging under the foundation wall. Ran into a big stone.
What neither shivering it - it is not moving. Then Sasha is in the smithy heavy sledgehammer.
From the first stroke off the stone, like the cork from the bottle. Since the party was a vskrik, and
then - automatic turn. In the generated hole stitch fascist avtomatchik.
Reutov Pull over to the wall and sat neither alive nor dead: worth German move trunk automatic
two centimeters to the right, and his request would thoroughly. Only a minute later, Reutov wake,
get a grenade from his pocket, vydernul the ring and tossed it into the hole. The explosion - and
the deafening silence. From the hole eddy thick black smoke ...
And now Sasha hitrovato kosil eye to the hole: saying, maybe shvyrnem there for a couple of
grenades!
I had agreed with him, but at this point over our heads again zavyli sirens of German dive-
bomber.
Again, as yesterday, dive-bomber, artillery ...
However, infantry are not visible. There are three tanks. One of them immediately set fire to our
broneboyschiki. Right turn zastrochili guns - there rises enemy infantry. This did not go - we otbili
they hunt.
Fight of the right neighbor, which lasted until noon. Then, all silent. Two, three, four hours ...
Attacks enemy weakened, extinguished.
It happened Oct. 21, 1942.
After that day the Germans like odumalis: Furiously such attacks no longer was. Soldiers Paulus
became afraid of us and started to dig into the ground poglubzhe.
Then something in front of me as the shooter before the tag and was again given the task - to
master the sniper skill. I gave his rifle with telescopic sights, and I finally became a divisional
listed in the list of snipers.9. First Steps
Before the position of our regiment began to appear increasingly roarer Goebbels. «Rus, give
up! Resistance is useless! »- They are shouting oneself hoarse in voice.
We knew that the Nazis great superiority in manpower and technology that they have managed
to cut the city into two parts, to deprive us of land links with the mainland. But we know that the
defenders of Stalingrad at all stations are active defense, do not give the invaders any rest day
nor night, causing a short but painful blow to keep the fascists in suspense all day and night,
exhausting them mentally and physically. Grew our combat skills, successfully used a new tactic
warriors close combat - small assault team ...
In general, do not come from the sweet life «roarer» persuade us to stop resisting. They lost faith
in an easy success, and fighting initiative sneak like a piece of ice from the hot hands: how many
may try, all the drops international fingers izoydet. It is not stopped Hitlerites amain, full-length
slit in the depth of our defense - in the firing bags. [44]
But while we taught them to crawl viper Stalingrad on the ground, even in hours of calm, relax
military vigilance can not be: gadyuchi bites are poisonous, and direct attacks on the Germans
still have not given ...
Our division has been fighting for the Mamaev Kurgan. Battalions 1047 th Regiment vgryzalis in
defense of the enemy on the eastern slope of mound. That is, there erupted a fierce fight - our
assault group caused a short fighter strikes.
The enemy, too, presented his tactical innovation: to create greater density of fire with the help
of «nomadic» autorifle. At the right moment to light machine guns released sangar and
concentrated fire suddenly zahlestyvali approaches to their trenches. For our assault teams, they
were dangerous, or any Dothan dzota because suddenly appeared and just as quickly
disappeared.
- Combating kochuyuschimi gunner - this is the first task of a sniper - he said zampolit battalion
chief politruk Yablochkina met me in the dispensary, where I arrived at the dressing.
- One does not cope - I answered.
- I know - he agreed. - So you Komsomolskoye order: here, at the dispensary, pick among the
wounded soldiers shooting marks and prepare them to fight kochuyuschimi machine guns.
Clearly?
- Sunny.
So I was ordered to establish a school of snipers from the wounded soldiers.
- Well, браток as you have there long?
The soldier stopped, severe eye okinul me from top to toe, and said severely:
- Candy is not there, crows will - without a flash head stay ...
Come to the ravine. Then there was relative silence - a pause between attacks. Nasty hours of
calm: the expectation of new unknown harry tests nerves of those who have not yet obzhilsya in
battle. Particularly difficult in such times a man with a cowardly nature. They tend to die earlier
than their physical and moral death because they did not feel like destroying the enemy, and
seek salvation from him, and ... killed. And how could it be otherwise: if you do not kill the
enemy, he will kill you.
Fear. How to overcome it? The answer to this question lies in the nature of man. Where he
formed what he has life experience, in what circumstances crepe and harden his body? The
foundation of strong will, I believe, lay in his early years.
Here next to me sitting in the trenches spotter shelling Basil Feofanov. Sitting, squeeze tightly to
the wall Ocopa, over the heads of kruzhat fascist planes. Near clamor mines. Artillery handles
our trenches - the enemy is preparing a new attack. The terms of all the splitting, dybitsya. How
much will last that confusion - I do not know, but not less than twenty minutes. I looked at the
neighbors left and right. People in their pale-pale as flour. Some quake hands.
Which, by returning soldiers composure to lead embattled?
Because I am out a pocket pouch, filled to capacity shag, from newspapers klinyshek tear off the
paper and began to twist tsigarku, goats' leg. My example was followed by Vasily Feofanov. He
has great hands, great hands, thick fingers. The movement of hands and fingers relaxed,
balanced. More Feofanova my pouch did not go.
Out of pocket I am also out a device and the old grandfather's way began to produce light. Raza
[45], two-hit chemkoy kresalom the fingers instead of stone. Vasily lifted their fluffy eyebrows,
looked at me with a smile in the eyes, as it happens in the strong spirit of people:
- What's nerves rent?
- No, - I say - not practice in this area. And how your nerves?
Vasily very long smoke, your eyes put down, making a finger hole in the sand:
- My nerves and skin tinned, syzmalstva father taught me the fear of scorn.
My brother and talk as if nothing had happened.
Born and raised it in the Urals. Sometimes at night, his father comes from the taiga and said:
- The horse in the forest remained confused, with the bell. Go, look and prigoni home.
- You go to the woods, - says Vasily Feofanov - round dark-dark, though vykoli eyes, and black-
black horse, only on the forehead between the eyes of the white spot. Scary, heart beats and
schemit. Begu to sound bell, feet, under a little chuyu. It seemed that every bush hid the beast
and waits me. You can not look back, sobeshsya of the way and the horse did not find.
- Well, if you do not find the horse, which then can be? - I asked to draw the attention of
neighbors: it is talking about overcoming fear.
Feofanov moved his eyebrows:
- Then the father took uzdu and ludil me ass and back.
- Well, and how? Receive?- You see, no hands or lips do not quake, as some of those present ...
Meanwhile, the bombardment of attack the enemy over. We took their places and met a German
avtomatchikov targeted fire.
Feofanov not hurrying to a call for fire and caused a fire at the battery zalegshih avtomatchikov.
Quietly, calmly, without panic - and a new enemy attack was thwarted by all the rules.
Well, as it does not say a kind word to the company commander, senior lieutenant
Bolsheshapova! It was he who initiated the vytravleniyu fear of our soldiers' souls.
I remember even on the way to the front, he decided to test their courage on the sailors. Check a
rather unique way. Hang round grenades F-1, put all the newcomers in one line, then led a
forward, drew from the bag grenade and quickly explained:
- We need to have time to catch a grenade until it shipit, and push aside. Clearly? - And, without
waiting for a reply, vydernul check.
The first grenade thrown so much grohnula that we only pereglyanulis, and everyone probably
thought to himself: «Nothing a doctrine invented our commander».
For Reutovo went Maza, Gryazev, Kormilitsyn. When I got thrown a grenade at me, it was not
the ring, but the grenade did not explode - the fuse was removed in advance.
So all «beginners» were skipped over granatny exam Bolsheshapova on the march. And now it
became clear to me that even before the outbreak of fighting in Stalingrad fighters company
Bolsheshapova became accustomed to dealing with fear.
Coward all his life on his knees in front of a crawl, - he said once Feofanov, and with him we can
not accept.
Fear and cowardice are living in a nest, but they are divided with little effort on the part. Fear is
in every person, no people, no boyaschihsya death, and a coward - there are more than
unpleasant. Overcome [46] fear, a man capable of the feat, but a coward and will remain a
coward. Fox, Hunting, and used to kill others.
Who wants to survive in battle, he must first of all, do not forget about the fear, to suppress a
coward, as poisonous gadinu, which you can bring death ahead of schedule.
It is from these considerations, I approached the selection of fighters in his sniper team. On the
coward has nothing to do at the forefront: it is a sum, and you destroy.
We exit from the basement, where he was a medical center, I caught the eye at the hefty detina.
In the soldier's jersey, a head bandage, on the legs kirzovye's boots huge size. Svertyvaya
knotty fingers samokrutku, he looked at me.
- Listen, as you call? - I asked him.
- Ubozhenko, - he answered slowly, ponderous baritone.
- For names like Ukrainian? - Was I guess to start the conversation.
- From Dnipropetrovsk region - brief, he confirmed.
- Where you shandarahnulo? - Kivnuv bandage on his head, I asked compassionately.
- On the senior lieutenant Kuchina blindage built ... I sapper ...
- What more do you think?
- To pull the logs can not head кружится. I would beat the fascists of the rifle.
I like this cute Ukrainian. I invited him from the basement to the second floor to shoot ... We
chose it for his rifle, his crocked perebintovannuyu head ragged blouse - to hide - and took up
firing positions. Ubozhenko chose a place in the bricks destroyed prostenka.
Mamaev burial mound from the bottom to the top of the smoke zavoloklo: just flying over enemy
aircraft, but before this, our artillery hammers the enemy positions are one and a half hours.
But with each minute it became lighter. Ubozhenko first noticed that soldiers of Hitler perebezhali
to the railway embankment and began to dig a trench.
- See? - He asked me.

- I can see.
- What should I do?
- Three hundred meters distance. Tselsya in the chest, shoot, when he turns to face you. In the
back is not necessary.
- Why? - Interested in Ubozhenko.
- You stuknesh him, and left a shovel in the parapet. Another podymetsya take shovel - Bay of ...
Ubozhenko obeyed Board: chose the time, gave the shot. Fascists in the ass trench. Lopata was
left lying on the parapet. It took a few minutes, someone from the trenches reached for the
shovel. Again shot. Ubozhenko joyfully shouted to me:
- John, Vasil! You bachil how I have two Fritz tisnuv?
- Well, well done. Now let's go with that position, otherwise we tisnut ...
Since the beginning of the school work of snipers in the regiment.
The first disciple was the teacher, and my teacher - their own mistakes and failures.
Sniper should be prudent man, brave, strong-willed.
This was Sergeant Nikolai Kulikov. Here's just one episode of his military life.
In two hundred meters south of water tanks on Mamayev barrow was burned T-34 tank. Five
fighters from Shetilova company arranged under the tank machine-gun point. The position there
was good: podymutsya fascists in the attack - and immediately falls under the shower of fire. As
neither the fascists tried to suppress this gun - anything they have not worked. Only after three
days they managed to bypass the tank left and right, [47] but the telephone connection with the
brave garrison under the tank survived. And from there the signal:
- The mood mood took a circular defense need grenades, ammunition for machine guns -
reported Volovatyh foreman.
- Who will deliver the boxes of bullets and grenades under the tank? - Asked the company
commander Shetilov.
Near me stood Abzalov sergeant, sergeant and gunner Kulikov 45-millimeter guns Yakut Gabriel
Protodyakonov. Each of us estimate the path to get to the tank? Creep should have been right in
front of fascist positions at a distance of sighting fire rifles. The area is open, just a funnel so the
bodies of dead soldiers ...
Do not have time and we think in this way left connected regiment commander. He moved
slowly, but persistently, pushing ahead of a box of ammunition.
Home dusk. Where the benefit from a coherent, something zagremelo, then zatreschali
machines.
Again called Volovatyh. Tube took Nikolai Kulikov.
- Connected wounded, one must realize! - Poslyshalos in the tube.
- Clearly, - has answered Kulikov. Volovatyh knew his voice and cried:
- Kohl, dear, we need ammunition, grenades - Bring!
Volovatyh again said nothing about bread and water.
- Now you will, by becoming a samovar, ready snacks, bring a drink! - Kulikov said.
Moros cold autumn rain. Nicholas lifted the poncho, put it on the bottom of the trench and
skomandoval:
- Let's here cartridges, grenades, food ... And that no thundered.
We laid everything began and dragged on the bottom of the trench, make sure there is not the
greatest sound.
- Now, let's rope.
One end of Nikolai shpagatnogo cord tied to poncho, he took another in the mouth and spread.
Benefit from it quickly and neatly. The tall, thin, flat shape, broad shoulders - one stroke has
reached the crater. After him crept poncho with ammunition, and products.
In the darkness it was difficult to see how moving to a goal Nikolai Kulikov. We can only guess
that from the crater to the crater, he proskakival sharp shots, and then pull up to a load.
A few minutes later in a telephone tube poslyshalsya joyful voice foreman Volovatyh:
- Nicholas safely reached. Now live!
Before the morning Nikolai Kulikov made a few more flights conducted under the tank
replenishment avtomatchikov.
Before dawn, we raised it from the bottom of the trench - a dirty, wet and mortally tired. But he
was ready to crawl back to the mound.
I said:
- Spending a little bit, Nikolay, you snayperka waiting.
He opened his eyes and smiled.
- If the waiting, then go for the position to rest once.
So we became friends with Nikolai Kulikov.
Actually, I lucky to good people in the sniper team - strong, deft, smekalistyh.
For example, Alexander Gryazev, my companion in the Pacific fleet. Man extraordinary physical
strength and heroic spirit. Back in the days of fighting in the area of metal factory, we,
sometimes, one joke went over Mud:
- Take-ka, Sasha, slope cars.
- Why? - He asked imperturbably.
- Closed a hole in the wall! Sasha just imperturbably invert [48] axis with heavy wheels and
podkatyval to the hole. After that we will freely, walked to the workshop.
To combat gun emplacements in dzotah Sasha had used anti-tank gun. Chose an ideal position
and hit directly in the embrasure - to get healthy.
Once Alexander Reutov, «Ussuriisk tigrolov», as friends called him, decided fun of his
namesake Mud. Bring shestimillimetrovy iron rod, prodel it to fuse running anti-gun, girded
column ends and twist. Watching the Reutovo, I thought: «bend iron is easier than unbend -
whose same force will top?»
The sun quickly katilos downhill and has gone to the top of mound, when the ruins, as the lair of
the bear appeared Alexander Gryazev: that day he was on duty in the combat outposts. He
came, inspected, and with his usual calm, like a child for a beloved toy, reached for anti-gun.
And it is tied! Jokes comrades Sasha certainly discerned immediately, but to pretend that anyone
here does not notice. Only muttered to himself:
- Also my friends, taking time for fun.
And just quietly bent down, took the rod of protruding ends. Neck of the Sasa red, veins razdulis,
nalilis blood. Metal, resisting, zaskripel, poschelkal - and submit! Prut otletel with ringing in the
side.
Brought dinner. Snipers Kuznechny gathered at the workshop. Reutov and dirt - two of Alexander
- sat side by side, ate in silence. Between them was strong, a good friendship. They could sit
next hours, not saying a word to each other ...
Dinner came to an end. Spoons hid for bootleg boots, pot collected and sent to clean the Volga -
closer to the water was not ...
- Well, brattsy moryachki, after the bread and salt is not a sin and a cigarette! - Proposed Ohrim
Vasilchenko.
- We do not Mud Ball - Reutov said. - Use of shag zero, and injury while otbavlyay.
This is why it hurt Gryazeva. He turned to Reutovo:
- And what is the good of your inwards from the fact that you have my gun steel rod to tie to a
pole?
- Well, here is another thing. It makes sense ...
They had already boarded and stopped breast in the chest, two heavyweight poods six each.
- What is the meaning?
- But what. Suppose, rushed at us Germans, and we are, so to speak, for tactical reasons, back
to pre-position! Fascists have enough for your broneboyku - as it is tied! Krut, vertical, and
otvyazat can not ... Here's your gun and save!
Gryazev retreated a step, and smiled, too, decided shitrit:
- Thank you. Let reap your good hand for this service.
Alexander Reutov knew what to «thanks», расставил wider legs and gave his Gryazeva
shirochennuyu as a shovel, horny, with thick fingers humpback palm. They come with your
hands, napryaglis. It seemed that just about someone hrustnut fingers, but neither the one nor
the other, and did not weaken acumen. Got Spit on a stone ... Two minutes, three, five, and they
all stand against each other. Reds, stocky, breathing jerky. But the mighty shoulders of both
began to shiver ...
Finally Alexander Reutov surrendered:
- Budya, and then hand otsohnet.
Gryazev immediately Decompress your fingers, and we saw - from the nail Reutovo spilled
drops of blood. [49]
- Gorilla devil could crush your hand.
Gryazev smiled:
- Your shovel, even the press will not.
Then they embraced and went to his corner.
These big strong hands dirty and Reutov deftly kept sniper rifle.
Once I and Misha Masai return to his squadron from the left neighbor. We were walking among
the ruins, on the tracks barely-barely noticeable: afraid to run on a minefield. Here, the hardware
plant, mine come on our German and denser than potatoes in the garden.
Here is a company commander and senior lieutenant Bolsheshapov is about the machine gun.
Hear behind the wall fun fascists. Celebrate success: they again took a shop here. Misha
revealed his mouth, wanted to say something, but the company commander tsyknul us, Clamps
finger from her lips. We have fast ice, with bated breath. Then Bolsheshapov turned to us and
tenacious Looking says:- Understand?
- Got it.
- What do you understand?
- Fascists under sideways.
- Correct.
The captain smiled. The mood he had fun. That he tried to show that nothing dangerous in our
area there.
- Here is a good ребятки that you have come to me constantly with me against the wall, listen to
the fascists - continues jest company commander - and now you need a quiet place and time
that the freedom of all the issues to consider, weigh, to understand that What ...
He looked at us with a smile, then nahmurilsya and have another voice announced:
- To do this the best place in secret. Chief of the secret appointing glavstarshinu Zaytseva.
Maasai again opened his mouth, but the company commander interrupted him:
- I know that you have a third night without sleep, but life more expensive. The route of the old
password «Tula».
All fours to get to the place of ambush, zalegli of intricate wire mask.
The night was dark, dark. In the air, and then it flared flares. From the asphalt plant Hitlerites
stitch discontinuous bullets. They were beaten in the wall of the boiler house, where they were
installed our machine gun. Bullets, it will hit in the wall, рвались, echo spread throughout the
shop, the impression the whole environment.
Our machine-guns and automatic silent. This silence worried fascists. They could not define what
a surprise Russian train in the morning. But in reality, our sailors and soldiers at this time
sleeping, as the dead. I sleep and I, and Misha Massayev. The eyes are closed. It seems to me
that I sleep, and everything that happens in my eyes, I see really. I try to prove to myself that this
is the case. Ask myself the question: why is the sound of grenades gap is much stronger than I
hear now. Why did the fire break grenade consists of a bouquet of colorful pencils? However,
this can be seen only in a dream, but maybe the Germans propolzli by us, maybe they already
povyrezali our sailors. «Do not justify the confidence of the commander did not keep friends.
With what eyes will return to the company commander? .. »
I bite lip, giving her teeth so that the sharp pain, like cold water, to brush away. In the language
of feeling thick brackish liquid. «So, is the blood», - thought I spat in the direction. Maasai turned
his head in my direction, asked:
- The main thing you, as a camel, plyueshsya? [50]
- A piece of fish eaten, and now behold the blood splevyvayu.
Misha confessed:
- I stabbed her hand Kohl.
- Hey, help?
Masai said:
- A bit refreshing, Fincke its inseparable natochil how to ...
On this night of fun got medicine for that did not create these pills - down to sleep and did not
want to.
I saw in practice - the worst torture for a man if a few days off to sleep.
On the east has risen summer lightning, and then began slowly Belet. Way back to a break in the
wall of the tool shop.
From under the wire, we dived into a deep crater, pinned to the ground and through the breach in
the wall looking toward the enemy. First, there was no, we wanted to get to the shop to its half,
but the Maasai first leg saw a fascist soldier pulled me by the hand, and we are frozen in place.
Hear regular tap forged boots. Blackshirt walked along the wall, like a tiger in a cage. On the
heels of his boots sparkled horseshoe. Here he is close to a break - we are seeing thick soles on
the shoes large.
While blackshirt walked to shop, we thought-out plan, as he was caught. We decided to take the
bait like minnow.
There were big Massayev gold pocket watches (the trophy) chain to a massive, long.
When the fascist left, the Masai out a watch from his pocket, laid between the bricks, a little
pritrusil sand by pushing against the wall.
Seen in the cleft formed between the bricks. We see (in shoes) - blackshirt approaching. Do not
reach the four-meter gap, halt.
We realized once Hitlerite stopped near the gap, then saw the clock and think, how to pull them.
Minutes three to four blackshirt stood motionless. Then the heel of the fascists were removed
gap.
Misha whispered to me:
- Blackshirt probably went for help, let's remove the legs by turning the roof of the shop, or can
fall into the wrong hands. Very light, commander of Company worries ...
- Obozhdem another ten minutes, the fascists will not spoil such a split for two, - I answered.
Pomolchav, outlined his plan: - If you arrive two or three fascist - a couple of grenades
shvyrnem, and they flee to their side.
Hear a knock boots forged close to the Strait. Seen by the soldiers. In his hands an ordinary
wooden slat. At the end of the straps stick nail. Hitlerite not bad idea.
I looked at the face of his friend. Vylo noticeable that the clock Misha sorry, but do nothing, just
took the game, you need to stop.
In any case, Misha strings tied to the chain. Hitlerite however hard they tried, and a nail to break
the chain. Hours stuck between the bricks, do not move.
As inveterate gambler, he went fascist in the excitement. Planck with nails pushed to the side,
one knee up on the ground, then prosunul hand, feel a "slippery body clock, but could not
conquer: Maasai skillfully shifts the clock for the end of the rope.
Fascists withdrew with a neck machine, put it between the legs on all fours and began to gently
thrust a break ...
From the crater drag dragged us into their half of the shop with a huge verzilu efreytorskimi signs
on epaulets. Company commander, a senior [51] Lieutenant General Vasily Bolsheshapov, came
to us, alternately embraced, kissed, smiled at his lush red mustache, said:
- Good catch, Well done, guys! ..
There is a nurse Klava lead. It inquisitive look okinula present, then with its cold-blooded and
calm withdrew with shoulder-aid kit, get bandage and iodine and started to handle the wound on
his head fascist.
Some of the sailors remarked:
- They are our wounded dogs herbs and Klava fascists sterile bandage head shroud ...
Hunter lay unconscious for hours. Klava put him under the nose vatku with ammonia. Blackshirt
sneezed and zamorgal eyes, as if the bright sun rays.
Masai finished the story, as we outwitted Fritz.
Senior Adjutant Battalion, Lieutenant Fedosov, in order to cast a replica of ridicule in our
address:
- Because of you It's like a bullet from manure - an unpleasant smell and smoke. Whistle a lot,
but little sense. Dead yes nedobityh fascists in the shop more than the bricks. Here you are on
the road dying fascist picked, set up the story and create noise, showing heroism.
We hanged noses. Bear with me wolf watching, his eyes are burning: is your idea, your plan, you
fascists hit on the head ...
Meanwhile, the Nazi soldiers came to mind and, as a leopard from the bushes, rvanulsya run. On
the road there was a stool on which Fedosov adapted to write the testimony of the captives, but
a fascist so deftly to clear a path that Fedosov, together with the stool flew to the side.
Reutov slowly Fritz grabbed by the arm, turned on the rules of intelligence, stroked the wrong
way - and the donkey. His blue eyes eyes nalilis blood, the nostrils blow, like a furious beast.
Caught dyed voyaka. On questioning firmament of the same:
- I never give up in captivity, Russian soldiers are not fighting, they are cheating.
In the daytime prisoner sent to the bank of the Volga impossible. Prior to the onset of darkness
have to wait a day and the day may be many changes. For greater reliability decided to link the
fascists and put on safety in the hospital Klava. Of a fascist, a sack of chaff, and put on the wall
near the radiator.
From Massayev we really even luxuriously breakfast. Sleepless nights, fatigue had taken up, the
forces were leaving us. Senior Lieutenant Bolsheshapov gave us three hours to rest. Maasai
came down to the basement, opened the iron door, tknulsya in the corner of seriously wounded
soldiers and zahrapel. For I came Nikolai Logvinenko and dragged to the commander of the
battalion captain Kotov on the report.
Senior aide seized their paper, and we all three began to wade in among the ruins of an office
hardware factory in the basement, which was the headquarters battalion. A large basement
room. On the eastern side of the double iron doors. Around the walls stood dvuhtumbovy Office
desk dark color. Between the wall and table beautiful black velvet upholstered sofa. At the table
in a leather bag stood handsets.
Out of the basement windows had been visible to a high tower. From the height of the tower
sniper Vassili artillerist Feofanov adjusted the artillery fire. Connect with artillery command post,
he kept the radio.
From my legs fatigue podkashivalis, shake from side to side.
Next to the sitting commander of Combat [52] Ilya Shuklin batteries. He smiled, and the captain
Kotov was pale pale, his hands trembled, his nostrils inflate. Calm and smiling captain Shuklina
how to brush me.
Lieutenant Fedosov chose minute break in the conversation and reported the arrival of angry
Kombat. Captain okinul me from head to toe, then ryavknul to Fedosova:
- Take in blindage let rest two hours, then come ...
I went from the basement. The city was the battle. It remains in the air Gudele fascist aircraft,
smelled smoke and garyu. Around the walls were installed, two antitank guns. Next to these
broad-spinning merry soldiers. He met me as an old friend.
- Let us know, - he said in broken Russian. - Gabriel D. Protodyakonov, Yakuts. The commander
said: «The tanks have to beat the fascist here». And who are you?
I have called you.
- Well I know you well. You must be hard to sleep. Go to my pit. Bag, pillow there. Well you
vyspimsya.
Gabriel held me in his dug, and I улегся on his bed of boards of shell accounts, but to me it
seemed a softer Perina.
October 24, our group of snipers - Gryazeva, Morozova, Shaykina, Kulikova, Dvoyashkina,
Kostrikova and I - moved to the area adjacent shelf, the eastern slope Mamayev mound.
We play area at a height of 102.0 - the most uncomfortable and dangerous: a trench dug by
slope, distance to the Nazi advance - a hundred and fifty meters. Formerly the site to defend the
soldiers of the company anti-tank guns. A week ago, company commander was wounded. He
was sent to medsanbat, a squadron commander, without carrying a big loss. Broneboyschikov
buried immediately, in the trenches. Now the company is just two people. From time to time they
perepolzali of broneboek to machine guns and palili toward the enemy, creating the appearance
that everything is in order here, a lot of people ...
Near the height of the beat fontanel. Fresh, clean water to Manila fascists themselves, and they
told us as a dedicated conductor in the regiment, not seeing the danger of broneboyschikov,
came here in the mornings with the sideburns and the thermos flask. Togo and wait, then
arrange a collective washing ... «A good target for snipers», - thought I asked the conductor:
- Until rassvelo, Lead us to the scene quickly.
Explorer replied:
- Fast not. Before dawn there fascists to each funnel to throw a grenade, a bush shower machine
queue. They are afraid of, curse. Way of water fire burns ...
- Let's shots! - Sasha Gryazev suggested. I supported him.
Explorer was brave. Made one shot, the second - and were on the edge of the ravine, along the
bottom which sochilsya creek flowing from a spring.
Landfast ice to land. Terms of dead silence, even the missiles do not fly. That's bad: not such a
good tish, retrench dangerous.
Benefit more, look for the funnel or the empty trench. Sniper creep uncomfortable: throw a rifle
over his back and then dump it, often to stop, correct, and then another machine you need to
protect from the sand: the sand - in trouble for it.
Down to the bottom of the ravine, pinned to the cleft, and then broke out fascist gun. «Well, now
under the noise, you can dare to act», - I thought. But the gun [53] worked as a short. But I
wanted to cross the bottom of the ravine, as the conductor stopped me:
- Now begins to run again ...
At the top of our helmets sprinkled earth - a machine gun beat on the eastern slope of the ravine.
- Now, as soon as he umolknet - just falls through the ravine and hide out for those protrusions -
suggested the conductor. - Here, our company ...
Made hitch, hid.
- Where is the company?
- I'll go look, - said the conductor. - Only the first listen to my plan. I will move and talk loudly, but
it does not roven hour, the Germans suddenly interrupted me and all of our catch. Or its for
strangers to take ... Крикну you call - only then go. Got it?
- Yes.
- And if the pressure on the Nazis following the trench. Our machine-guns over there: one, - he
has shown to south - with the hand holding a railway bridge under fire, and the slopes of the
height of the second - strictly to the north, water tanks shelled. Two hand-held machine gun
wrapped in the poncho, buried in the sand. At that place is mauled by German shrapnel helmet.
Grenades and bullets look in the same trench, the five steps to the east, and immediately on the
right, there is a small warehouse ...
Explore went, we stayed at the scene, hid. Hear the signals of the conductor: «The Road, the
road», - he repeats. Good Russian word, it is always possible to know - who says, Russian or
German. The Germans are not able to pronounce the word, they have «garoka». At the speech
fails, even the German intelligence agents, disguised in our form. How to say «taroka», and pop.
Voice of the conductor was gone. «How Well do you,« the road, the road! »Why is he silent? Is
caught in such a way that has not had time to shout?
It took another five minutes. And he to us, breathless.
There is who? - I asked.
- Yes, two are alive. Waiting your help. Fritz, fifty pieces, even with the evening accumulated
against them ...
And well, let us rather prepare for the meeting - zagoryachilsya Sasha Gryazev.
Do not hurry - I besieged him. Leaving the extra cargo, we rushed forward with machine guns
and protivogaznymi bags, full of grenades.
The first machine gun was broneboyschik, obrosshy beard. Shave him there was once ... Prilnuv
to the edge sangar he peer towards the enemy.
- What drew you there? - I asked.
Do not discontinue the monitoring, he replied:
- Germans - and, pomolchav showed: - Look, you see, against a background of dawn
silhouettes? Prepare to rush to the corner trench. There, they have ground for mortar. Quays of
the ferry boat are mine, you can see, covered.
- Сволочи - failed Sasha Gryazev - well they see, give me a couple of anti!
Sasha is not at a joke rassvirepel. It should be a little cool his ardor. Beru its disservice arm and
calmly say:
-You 're now shvyrnesh grenades. Flare battle. We are few, and the maneuver is not yet know
how to ...
- Talk, more importantly, what should I do?
- First, to examine the situation, the terms of maneuver, second, to select the firing position, so
you can shoot fascists in the trenches.
- And why only in the trench?
- Because they have a limited review did not see where we click. [54] Of the trenches can get a
good catch, as the fire corridor. And should be - blocked the corridor grenades. Understand?
- Clearly, - is not very willingly agreed to Sasha.
Since the dawn of morning, instead of birds everywhere zaschelkali exploding bullets, zasvistel
lead automaton bursts.
Our sniper positions located in the front line of defense. The challenge to them was this: as soon
as the Germans rushed to the attack, primarily incapacitate officers, then kill the leading soldiers
and grenades - military equipment.
Yet Sasha Gryazev took a bag with anti-tank grenades, automatic throw over the back and has
spread to the fascist machine guns, under cover of which is gathered soldiers. Approaching
quietly, he threw two anti-tank grenades.
As expected, there was a disadvantageous for us to fight. Hitlerites went around our group right
and left. We were almost cut off. The only way out of the environment sweep dense machine-
gun fire. Therefore, wastes have been meaningless. We were under siege ...
Over the night, the second. We stood. Sniper fire forced the Nazis to abandon attacks to spring,
many soldiers have lost them and the mortar site, which did not manage to make a single shot
on the boat berths.
Day to us to get connected Kombat. He has ordered the division commander: «Hold the position
until the last possible».
It means: you can not go from a height.
Autumn uniform. Weather is changing constantly. That prigrevaet sun, the cold rain drizzles, it
pulls cold pressing and sypletsya ldistaya dealer. So we sat down and two days in an
environment, even for a minute did not produce a hand weapon. Sometimes, the evening will be
held rain, and at dawn poduet Stepnyak. Oh, in such minute gray. Prizhmeshsya in the corner of
the trench ... A little silent motionless - primerznut coat the floors to the ground ...
Hitlerites no time sliding on the slope to our trenches, and then we abandoned it grenades.
Pomegranates have to throw far, so that they could not before the explosion rolled down the
slope on the back of the trench.
This useful long strong arms Gryazeva. Sasha walked across the line of defense, as the
watchman of the garden, and it cost only fascists approached to a distance throw, as he raise his
hand with a long anti-grenade and threw it in exactly the goal. First, raise the dust and smoke,
then all disperse, and we saw the results of the explosion. Good results!... At the end of the third
night.
In the black sky of a single star. Heavy clouds, it seems, giving all life on Mamayev barrow. The
front edge of the Germans a hundred meters from us. Heard, as there in the trenches, ring pot,
metal cups, knocking the heel on the heel of the soldiers: confusing dirt from the shoes, the feet
warm themselves. All heard, but it can not be disassembled. From childhood does not teach a
foreign language, escaping with the lessons, but now berate themselves.
Throughout the night we followed the behavior of the opponent. Son was not. Occasionally look
back at the Volga. Wind ryabil black surface of the Volga water. Cool reflection sky blowing
melancholy. Clubs blue mist slowly crept to the ruins. From a cross-cutting the pre-wind was
getting colder.
In the trenches the enemy began recovery. Small groups of German soldiers have been
recruited to our trenches. We took sniper [55] rifles and easily massacred them. Do not get in
their surprise.
Retaliations had to wait long. From shkvalnogo shower and automatic machine-gun bursts
dishevel land in front of our positions.
We went from the fire, and soon we pinpoint sniper fire silenced guns. So thrower Sasha
Gryazev again at the start. It unfolds slowly, put your hand prigibal one knee, like a ringleader
tuguyu spring, and throw a grenade. Nothing you say - the master!
I asked Gryazeva give me at least one grenade.
- Do not trozh short-handed - he probasil - grenades to take care must needs be!
For three days Gryazev perebrosal a lot of grenades, destroying dozens of Nazi soldiers.
Sniper bullets and grenades to help us to obey orders of Commander Division: its position at
102.0, we did not give up. And, apparently, we had to stand here and not one day more than one
night. On departure, no one thought.10. A difficult position
This is the fourth day, we are under siege. We are waiting for the night to take up new posts and
equip them.
Finally the rays of the setting sun painted a bright pink cirrus clouds. In the air ceased to sing
fascist aircraft engines. Clouds gather over the city, but the reflection of dawn for a long time
been seen on the horizon.
Only at midnight we finished equipment sniper posts. He and sleep and drink. The approach to
spring the Germans cut off the mine barrier, but we also keep them in water, fire machine guns
and sniper rifles.
At dinner that night, we again delivered. We muchil hunger, but stronger than it was lust. In the
mouth peresohlo, otyazhelel language - all done in silence, understanding each other without
words. All thinking and behavior of fellow I knew, without explanation: all are asked to rest. At
least lie on the ground, a little gain strength ... I gave the command to rest, and this, together
with Kostrikovym stayed in combat outposts.
Armed tank, we agreed on the signal in case of alarm and dispersed in different directions.
I clearly perceived the night whisper of wind, flight mines, flickering lights a cigarette in the camp
of the enemy, barely perceptible aroma of tobacco smoke. Even stronger than wanted to smoke,
but smoking was nothing. Deaf metallic clatter, snatches of German phrases annoys me - like
smoking. By the same overpowering pulled for the night.
Boon came up to me and how to unravel my thoughts began to shake the pockets of the dead.
We will soon lit, and sleep otletel.
We are well aware that the enemy is preparing for us a trap construct false position. There was
need for special vigilance and a special trick.
Stick shovel in the ground until the spade, put your ear to the end of cuttings, as a telephone
handset and listen. Lopata in the ground, precisely in the palm of a human chest, sends me the
voltage on the top of the soil mound. Somewhere near a stone chisel and hammer count, a little
more - drops on the ground that some fat may have boxes of food or sandbags. Excavation did
not hear anything. But quite a number of steps. Hitlerites knocking loudly on the ground boots
forged pass along the trenches. This is replaced by the protection on the firing points ...
After a while I slept woke a number of sniper Koulikova. He jumped up like boiling water
oshparenny, grabbed the machine. [56]
- Where polzut?
- Nowhere else, just your time to watch.
At the height of German machine-gunner came on duty. Vidal, a newcomer: it can be easily
removed from the rifle with open sights, even in the dark. But I did not disturb fellow ...
Again it is a comparative lull. I avoided the sniper pair. My friends have long been replaced, and
a piece of coagulated in the trenches, stayed seated.
He returned to his mate - Nikolai Kulikov. Decided to get some sleep. In digging the trench-coat
soldiers were lying. Owners of long-standing fast asleep in the ground at Mamayev Kurgan, a
coat remained friends ...
Utknuvshis head in a coat, I plunged in slumber. Nikolai stood at the machine gun. He was afraid
to sit down: syadesh - and quietly podkradetsya slumber. Better keep it standing alone, even if
the bullets hiss above their heads.
Before dawn, as it was understood Kulikov woke me.
- Worse still without water. I thought the night would be easier, but where there ...
- What went on duty? - I asked.
- Normal.
With every minute it became lighter. Snipers approached me, and everyone asked:
- Today, the water will not?
- Bears are not afraid - to comfort my friends. Crannied their lips, face osunulis.
And suddenly erupted twinkle in the eyes of Kostrikova. Soldier plyuhnulsya to the bottom of the
trench, widely dispersed legs zaprokinul head and cried aloud:
- Brattsy, water!
He smiled happily and said nothing. We watched him under his feet and saw nothing. Finally
Gryazev failed:
- I say, where is your water? Boon narrowed his black eyes.
- Where is the water, you ask? And over how many Nazis roll, see?
- So what? - Responded to its thick bass Gryazev.
- So they have the same water in the flask ... It is necessary to search the dead.
- Reason - agreed Kulikov. He most of all suffered from thirst.
- Reason is always reason - said Dvoyashkin - but such attacks have cover fire ...
I, Kulikov and Dvoyashkin immediately went to their location. As soon as I could nuzzle to butts,
as in the sight flash helmets. It took a few seconds, and the Germans threw at sangar gun,
opened fire. Shifting comfortable rifle, I gave a shot. Machine gun silenced. Current head of the
machine gun did not appear, and it became clear to me: for I have followed, have to change
position. Here instead of a guy in the helmet, I took a trench periscope and began to move but
the trench to the other stuffed animals to replace one another.
Meanwhile, the mud and finished his boon «operation» - attacks for the flask. They opted for this
place near our old IP. So we called her collection point, safe trench. When it was necessary to
meet raised my aft cap. This time, however, put caps boon. I do not believe that they run so fast.
But when he came to the MP, he saw on the poncho at the feet of five Kostrikova baklazhek.
There was some kind of rusty, bitter liquid. In the good times would not touch it, and then
swallow greedily. And it all came to life.
Ten o'clock in the morning to the left of us, on the southern slope of mound, started the
movement stronger enemy soldiers. They are moving but deep trench down to his [57] The anti-
battery guns which have been designed to tunnel under the railroad. It was the ambush against
our tanks, which, if the offensive began, guns are able to inflict heavy damage. But defenders of
the tanks at the center of the city were few in number, and the great offensive, we still could not
think. Therefore, in order to combat the guns were put up only two of our sniper - Volovatyh and
digging. They took a good position to disguise the marks of fire, and gradually incapacitate
workers squad. That is why the day on the battery was usually dead stillness. Top, from the
slopes Mamaeva mound, we were good, these guns were visible - they are pinned to the
southern foot of height, as frozen HPD, and seemed neglected. We do not care. And that was
our mistake. After all, here today went to the battery the enemy soldiers, but by the guns are not
running somewhere hid, to prepare us a treacherous course. What?
Carefully vglyadevshis, I noticed that a large trench appeared «mustache» - narrow shallow slits
round yamkami ends. Foxhole. How do we miss? When they manage to dig? Tonight? There
can be. Is my spade-phone deceived me? Hardly.
At this point Volovatyh found a new group of German soldiers. They accumulated in the
alignment guide number five - so we called shattered zenitku-gun on the flank of mound. This is
just meters away from us in the eighties.
- Landmark Number five: I see the enemy! - Volovatyh reported.
Before I say words like Sasha Gryazev took two anti-tank grenades, rushed along Ocopa.
- Stand back! - I cried.
Sasha stopped and widely astraddle suddenly looked at me so reproachfully that it seemed to
me - his gray eyes now flash a spark.
- Principal, authorized to kill Nazis! And the position at the same time destroy, - he said with
irony and pomolchav seriously added: - Not all the same to you to beat, and let the other account
increased.
Caught me by surprise this reproach. We really have personal accounts sheets - «personal
revenge by fascists», where each figure for each day of the signature of witnesses assured of
good shots. My account was indeed greater than all. This is demonstrated by the signature and
Sasha Gryazeva. What he say now? He stood in the interrogative posture, waiting for my
answer. All, with bated breath, looked at us.
For quick start me Sasha. I waved a hand as a sign of consent. Sasha smiled triumphantly:
- It has long been a fact!
And I muchila conscience. I tried to remember where and when I have abused their power, that
is increasing its own expense, a partner kept as bait, target!
All smoked in silence, seeing as I am.

- And yet, guys, this purchase. Run, Nicholas Ostapovich - I asked Koulikova - Сашу catch up
and tell him that now he gets in a trap: there in the foxhole can be a sniper.
Kulikov has not had time to catch up with Сашу.
Shvyrnuv grenade, Sasha was late to sit down. Breaking enemy bullet hit him in the right side of
his chest.
I ran to him. He did not moan. Komsomolsky quietly took out a ticket and said:
- Take, John ... You're right, this is a sniper ambush ... Transmitted comrades that die a
communist ...
We removed the blouse that bandaged broken chest. [58] The right hand hung, as the whip, the
blood from the wound beater. Bandage was nothing. We removed the frock to make the
dressing.
Once again, fire broke out in the eyes of Alexander. He vydernul from my hands bloody frock,
and put it on the bayonet, stood up, shook the rifle in the direction of enemies.
- Know the bandits, our victory!
And fell to the hands of comrades.
Until the Fascist trenches were eighty meters. German trench on the gap grenades do not hurt,
but we lost by a single shot of the heroes ...
I swore to myself for something that does not stand firm, did not stop Gryazeva ...
In Komsomolskoye ticket Gryazev Alexander left a testament to his son:
«Not a patriot, who talk a lot about home, but someone who is prepared to pay for her life ...
For the sake of the homeland, and thy son, my life, I was ready for everything. Growing up, my
dear baby, learn. Motherland love is not words - hardly love ».
At the tomb of Sasha fascists, we vowed to take revenge for his death.
Heavy was the day, while the strong attack the Germans did not have. Since air is not bombed.
Only two tanks of water raised in the fascist attack chain, but both attacks we otbili automatic
and machine-gun fire. Sniper rifles were at this time covered with poncho.
Sun katilos down Zarumyanilsya horizon. Podul faint breeze, only to displace the smoke could
set its direction. Rusty smooth layer of dust lozhilas to land on our shoulders.
At last night. Black velvet sizym ebb east and west, all shone bright streak. I looked at the other
side in some kind of stupor: the death of Sasha Gryazeva crush me. We do not want to eat or
drink or move. Only a rumor mechanically said, what is being done in the camp of the enemy.
Downstairs, near the railway, was given a metallic clang. Perhaps the enemy gunners repair
tools. Well were heard officers shout at the top. Ibid zastuchali on duty machine guns - are afraid
of bastards, or cheers to an empty shooting.
Suddenly a thick fog descended, though his eyes coli. This vzbodrilo me: the darkness helps
spies - may pripolzti here for «language» ...
But something happened that we had not expected.
Under the cover of fog to us to get the soldiers of the Third Battalion. Commanded by Lieutenant
Fedosov, former Chief of Staff of the Second Battalion. And this time it was, as always,
exhilarated.
- Reel off their lines and go to the rear - he ordered. - The commander of the regiment, Major
Metelev ordered.
- Why such haste? - I asked.Fedosov, prikurivaya from cigarette lighters to focus sullenly looked
at me. Eyelids inflamed, pripuhshie.
- It is not your case - he said throat. Apparently, no matter his mood.
We went politruk Stepan Kryahov, greeted. Fedosov went along Ocopa place people on the
firing points.
When we were together, Kryahov told me that Fedosova of booze seized Komsomolsky ticket
and decided to send the most dangerous area of defense.
- So, all serving sentences come here? Kryahov replied:
- Yes.
- Then the answer is: for what you sent to us? [59]
It is a bit pomolchal, thought, then spoke a quiet voice:
- I am political worker, is responsible for all, including for the morale of the people for their
misdeeds. But these people are not lost to us. Here and there I want to help them redeem their
mistakes ...
We talk, that is, for souls, and in the end I asked the commander of the regiment Kryahova pass:
go snipers from this site should not be, we must avenge Сашу Gryazeva, to help newbies,
please only rest day on the previous positions.
More11. Locate a sniper!
Remember children «mysterious pictures»? Fancy interlocking strokes, lines. And the task - «find
boy!». Funny game.
How many such «image», we have to unravel to the ruins of Stalingrad! Only played in one
game was not.
For many days spent at Mamayev barrow, snipers do not rest either day or night. Gasla initiative,
ingenuity lost. We knew that under every tubercles may hide the danger, but we gradually
overcome indifference. After all, if you want a shot by snipers a few seconds, then to find the
goal, had to have a clock to monitor the front edge of the enemy. But what may notice fatally
tired people? Nothing, or simply substitute its head by a bullet. And appears unconscious desire
to avoid the fight.
Therefore, the commander of the regiment gave us daily rest. Our defense of the efforts of
Lieutenant Fedosova fighters, the danger of the whole environment has passed, and we can now
get some sleep. But before you climb into their «bedrooms» - niche under the shore ravine, we
have discussed and demonstrated for beginners, is the danger to trenching Mamayev barrow.
For beginners mound probably seemed deserted.
We overslept all day. Wake me knocking over a pot in the ear: had dinner.
Since buckwheat porridge with meat and hot tea, felt drawn back to sleep. The time available to
the commander of the regiment at rest, has not yet expired, and we once again dived into
niches.
Woke up several hours later, when the gap uhnul mine in a ravine.
Sometime next stitch fascist gun. Trace bullets as in cotton wool, vpivalis in our wall hanging
over the ravine. I noticed it is already near the periscope at the sniper point. Observed not for the
sake of curiosity: you find a machine gun around his throat and, if not now, in the dark, then with
the dawn. Find it to be a glowing trail of bullets, but the gun quickly silenced.
To me came Dvoyashkin, sat nearby. In the ravine that is zagremelo: empty cans or pot. Hitler's
gun spoke again.
- For what purpose he shoots? - I asked. - Who dropped the pot?
- In the ravine many wounded beginners. It is near the clinic they have the greatest sound pot -
said Dvoyashkin.
- For podrankami hunt! - I was troubled. And then decided by all means to find a machine gunner
and prodyryavit his head.
From dawn boil battle, and I changed the position of this noise, finally found «hunter for
podrankami». His head then hit the cross of my sight. Machine gun silent.
After that shot, I went into a ravine, to the wounded newcomers that arrived last night. It is
important to know where and under what circumstances they were wounded. Especially [60] I am
interested in zero injuries. Every wound has its own characteristic and may suggest how the
arrows appear here at the enemy.
At the entrance to the ambulance sat blindage broad-shouldered, stocky soldier. Who are the
black eyes sparkled with joy and fear, and somewhere in the depths of their warmth and a strong
soldier joke with which the fighters even before his death did not would be departing. Roth
soldier has been closed broad bandage. Screw on the chin thoroughly soaked in blood, poburel.
Near Casco lay some torn book without the cover, and between the sheets - a mere stub of a
pencil. At large dirty hands of the soldier on the blouse seen clotted blood.
He was wounded yesterday morning.
Stepan Safonov - appear in his soldier's book.
- How do you, Safonov, ugorazdilo substitute head under fascist bullet?
The soldier looked at me rebuke eye. Evidently, I send out, but I patiently waited for an answer.
Finally he took a pencil and wrote a book on the sheet nervous handwriting:
«You, kind, so your rastak not yet sniff my zubotychiny. Do you want to, ladies? .. »
- Please - I answered - just not irritable, and help me determine where and how you wounded. It
is very important.
Only a third of the painted leaf, I learned that Safonova wounded in the mouth when he prikurival
of tsigarki comrade.
- And where is the soldiers that gave thee to light?

«My friend, Chursin, on the front left, waits his turn, he too will soon vlepyat», - was followed by a
written response.
I go off evil:
- Bungler! We have a week at altitude, but their heads do not substitute the fascists, but you
have to wait the night - and half the team out of order. How does it get?Safonov things began to
write in reply, but I did not read, ran to their positions.
According to the burial trench proskolznul Sasha Gryazeva, then descended into the pit. Here
you can stand to his full height. We must consider how to act against enemy snipers. Sometimes
they are on this site is, but work very carefully.
Nazi snipers are usually staged their positions in the depth of defense, and we get out on a front
edge. They have a lot of false positions. How to distinguish the false from the real? Little
experience has prompted me: you have a great eye and an excerpt.
For example, at the dawn somewhere melknet gleam lighters - sniper lit. Zasekay this point and
wait: should show the web of tobacco smoke. It will be a bit more time, or maybe the whole day,
and any fraction of a second seems helmet. You do not mouth! But even if we get late, it is clear
where the actual position of the false.
These considerations in themselves led me to the conclusion that I must today more than ever,
closely monitor the site, where it was shot in the chest Sasa Gryazeva.
Perepolzayu to the position of its partner Podkopova and start monitoring.
It takes an hour, the second one. From the voltage lomit eyes, tired neck, hard to keep his head,
but I could not move.
Digging has convinced me: where I look, there is no sniper nests, tested ten times. He upolzaet. I
can not believe a friend, but some inner instinct and the desire to avenge the death of Sasha did
not release me from this position.
An hour later, again podpolzayut with periscopes Morosov and digging. Now [61], we already go
through all three of the same plot.
Above us flew heavy German mortar shells shestistvolnogo. They explode in the depth of our
defense, podymaya ground poles. Such projectiles-giants are in the air. They fly with the scripts,
resembling the voice of ass. Flying, turning in the air from side to side, as a pig in mud. German
Mortar shestistvolny We have nicknamed «ass» and more for what he called two or three times a
day: at dawn, five hours, and then in the afternoon and after dark. Apparently, minometchik know
when our hospital carried the wounded to the Volga.
Lezhim silence are observed.
The rays of the setting sun lit the height. They would sweep the dark spots, covering each
papilla, we have noticed during the day. Just below the top of roll shell casings. From nothing to
do, I counted twenty-three pieces. Stop! And this without a bottom! Through such a sleeve, as if
through a pipe, you can browse further. I just privstal. And suddenly there, in the tube - as if the
flint vysek spark. I am a stone fell to the bottom Ocopa. On the opposite side sangar burst
breaking zero. Some I already sat Nikolai Kulikov.
- Chief, you're alive? - He asked.
- How do you see tsigarku steeper.

- You, again wounded?
- Yes otvyazhis you with their stupid questions. Safe and sound.
- So what are you yanked like a leopard on the victim?
- Bad news, we follow the enemy. - I answered and told what happened.
Hitler's sniper in payment for their work and the invention was right on the first shot. Now the
shot - for the Russian sniper ...
For dinner, we decided how we will act.
Nikolai Kulikov, and mine were of the view that to go on the hunt for «cartridges» in the night.
Shaykin with Kostrikovym disagreed, arguing that the sniper left sleeve of this false position.
Morozov and Kouzmine suggested to wait for a general offensive, and then a noise rezanut on
sleeve.
- For snipers need background - philosophize Morosov.
Volovatyh Dvoyashkin and some had no opinion, they simply were willing to go to their old
positions.
- Let's vzdremnem a little bit - I have suggested.
My friends know that I like to catnap in the evening to midnight: in the morning dawn, I could not
sleep, so let me silently in a dark corner.
I woke up about an hour the night. Nikolai Kulikov vozilsya with rifles, others were sleeping.
Kholod leads «order» in the trenches: the guys were lying close to each other.
Nicholas saw that I woke up, took his rifle and dived into the darkness. I followed him, took the
bag with the machine and grenades.
The night issued an unusually quiet. Lull before the storm: likely, the enemy is preparing a new
attack, to throw us into the Volga. Do not go: we have nowhere to retreat - for the Volga lands for
no ...
By taking the position of near sleeping comrades, I began to listen to the silence and to
remember meeting with Army Commander General Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov. It was the
morning of 16 October. Then, it seems, was the same tense, but not very quiet night, as the
commander, invited us to his dug for awards, said as a surprisingly quiet:
- Defense of Stalingrad, we vyazhem enemy hands and feet. From [62] our ability to stand here
upon the decision of death by many of the major tasks of the war, the fate of millions of Soviet
people, our fathers, mothers, wives and children. But that does not mean that tomorrow we will
be unreasonable courage: it is tantamount to betrayal ...
From his hands on my palm behind Medal «For Courage».- Our determination to fight here in the
ruins of the city under the slogan «No step back» dictated by the will of the people - the
commander continued. - Great expanses of the Volga, but the sight of what we are going to look
there for our people?
It seemed to me he asked me about it, knowing that I was born and raised in the Urals, there are
my relatives - grandfather, father and mother. And how many friends, comrades! No, not there to
show me with eyes full of shame and disgrace for the put Stalingrad. And I replied:
- Nowhere to back, for the Volga to us land there!
These words why it is very like Vasily Ivanovich and Assistant Chief Glavpura on комсомолу
Vidyukovu Ivan Maksimovich. Vidyukov grabbed my hand and long zhal it prigovarivaya:
- This is correct, this is in the Komsomol!
The same night he went to my positions. A terrible night, but as you know, the enemy was unable
to catch us by surprise.
Why is this night will end and what will be the morning? Is sorvetsya my plan? They had to call
here Viktor Medvedev.
Good guy Medvedev. Rolling, irrepressible. Promptly snipers, he criticizes a phrase: «They need
a good ponukaylo». As a newly arrived young sharpshooters to talk about their experiences
hunting for the fascists. He came and did not speak, they launched a pouch with a shag - a red,
silk, embroidered. Saying, look, what to love and care embroidered pouch, this unknown woman.
From the pouch fell two empty cartridge cases.
- That's all I wanted to tell you - he said - come to a better position, there is likely to understand
each other.
True, Vitya theory sniper case are best assimilated in practice. Again, remember the words of
Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov: «Sniper should not wait until the fascist himself head vysunet. We
need to make him find himself and give him without delay, the situation of a portion of lead in the
head ».
So I spent a long night alone with their dumami. Quietness Davila as the noose around his neck.
But here in the east cut light thread. Meeting was to wake comrades, as they already polzut me,
drag breakfast and ammunition. Someone said:
- Разведчики regiment took «language»; six am to be an artillery attack on our front.
Thermos with porridge was undiscovered: laid for dinner. Vodka does not pritronulis. Poglodali
crackers and went to their location.
Near their position, I met Lieutenant Fedosova. He расставил soldiers, and also waited for the
start of the attack.
- Already six passes - he said - but the fascists are silent. I called Combat. I say to him: «On our
part the Germans do not shoot at us». They roar went up. Reported said about the Military
Council ...
Nikolai Kulikov waited for me at the position opposite the sleeve. Here we have kept artillery
tube. What we saw, we were not surprised. Twenty-two casings were lying on the ground, twenty-
third, without a bottom, where it disappeared. Where?
Optics at the artillery tubes strong, at three hundred meters can be seen well. [63] I began to look
over a bush to shrub, ditch outside groove, moving deep into the enemy defense. Reached the
summit, which sometimes appeared rangefinder. Near a small deepening. Here it is, without a
bottom sleeve! Masked in sangar deepening. Through her visible Hitlerite helmets. Conducts
surveillance through the optical sight sniper rifles. Sleeve covers the optics of the side of light,
glare hides and helps to better see the target. He seems to have even photographed their targets
at the time of the shot.
- There you are ... - I whispered, as if blackshirt could hear my voice and leave.
To bring the breath of the norm, to convey the optical tube, Nikolai Kulikov, and not hurrying,
tells how to find a fascist sniper. Leading to a visible targets.
- There! I see! - Nicholas, it seems, also suffocated. Peredohnuv, it offers: - The Chief, you
should take it now, otherwise uskolznet.
And then I hear whispering behind my back:
- Wait, guys, let look at the life of Hitler's sniper!
This lieutenant Fedosov. We have not noticed, as he picked us. Do not attack the opponent has
waited, and now does not know where to put myself.
I got a fascist sniper in sight of its entire snayperki already half an hour. A little bit tired, but
stretched to the limit. Gonyu away fatigue, try not to relax. He also looks through the optical
sight. Asked Koulikova:
- Nikolai, how do you think he sees us?
- Now check.
Nicholas went back, raised above the parapet in the shape helmets. Instantly fascist sniper shot.
Helmets stripped head dolls.
Put your finger on the shutter to peredernut and pick up his sleeve after successful shots, as
adopted at sniping, blackshirt away from the optical sight. The head of its lift. In the same
progremel my second shot. The bullet lay гдето between the eyes, turning to face helmet. The
rifle with telescopic sights still lie in a tube.
Lieutenant Fedosov down to the bottom Ocopa, then took my personal account - a notebook,
pencil and poslyunyavil large letters wrote: «I witness the duel. Vladimir Zaitsev in my eyes killed
a fascist sniper. A. Fedosov ».
So we avenged murderer Sasa Gryazeva.
From this same position has already been acting more strongly in the next few days, my student
sniper Nikolai Kulikov cut off after two rangefinder on the sides Mamayev mound.
And the offensive, which we have waited for this day, for some reason never took place.
Perhaps, because we learned about it in advance of the testimony of prisoners. The Germans,
can be seen, guessed that, and did not ask for trouble, became more cautious and cunning.
12. When you can not rush
Mamaev Kurgan - the dominant height over the city. Southern shoulder of mound marked on the
map number 102.0. Hence, a good view of the city center, which is almost fully occupied and the
enemy destroyed. It is therefore easy to understand our desire - to stay, if not at the top, at least
on the southern slope of the height and thereby threaten the enemy attacks in the flank and rear.
Better position than you can find in the whole Stalingrad. We have literally seen through the
optical sight back fascists who stuck in the city center.
But to begin active [64] «work» on those back of the head, it was necessary to first ensure the
safety of their own heads in the rear, because above us, on top of mound, appearing periodically
gunner and experienced enemy snipers. In the same nest, enemy rangefinder, observers and
spotter artillery and mortar fire. So we had to continuously monitor and maintain a fire in two
opposite directions. However, in Stalingrad is normal. It is often difficult to know where the front,
where the rear. All mixed up.
Unravel the trick fascist sniper with shell, we turn our gaze to the opposite direction - to the foot
of the southern mound rays, fragmented ravines in the dense thickets of burdock, thistle,
wormwood and elder.
Now it has become less of us. Victor Medvedev with his partner operates in the area of meat.
Shaykin and Morosov moved into the area ldohranilischa, Abzalov and Nasirov - Tire in the
region.
Collection points snipers in my group chose the lowest close blindage shallow at the top of a
winding ravine, which led to the River Queen, the city center.
- Last night - I said to friends - at the bottom of the ravine heard tinkle pot. There seems to be a
body of water and dense thickets of bur ...
- Yes, there is a thicket - confirmed Nikolai Kulikov.
- What you think?
After an exchange of views, decided to conduct round-the-clock surveillance of the site from two
sides.
> swapNight. High in the sky and then it flared lights flares, vyryvaya from the darkness of
individual items.
Shaykin and Ubozhenko went on the eastern bank of the ravine, I am Nikolai Kulikov - but the
West.
We polezli to the cliff in front of thickets in the bottom of deep craters. Below us a hundred
meters - Fascist blindage. It was a gun - this we know.
At the edge of the crater lying killed two soldiers, huge, in the form of an Italian - we saw them at
the outbreak of the missile.
- His Aryans they choose, and those cast for fuel ravens - whispered Nicholas.
- Raven is not a long time, so that these «invasions» will be our bodyguards.
Sitting idle in the bottom of the crater and take the number of bursting explosive bullets - class
boring. We need to act, to equip the unit. And we, like moles, have begun to choose the land
from the edge of the crater and podminat her himself. With each passing hour, our funnel was
getting smaller and smaller, and we raised higher and higher. I smoke, but «bear, kazak ...»
All had felt stronger than the fatigue of hard work in uncomfortable positions bolela spin. But it is
coming to an end. My success at the glory hole. Now I can sit, relax, watch and shoot.
Right, Nicolai, the position was not that easy, but he does not complain, have prepared to
observe: the beginning of dawn.
Interestingly, as the case with our comrades on the other side of the ravine?
This is on a platform in front of thickets vynyrnul soldiers with bucket in hand and machine-gun
at the neck. Stopped, roll the head, someone podzhidaya. Here's how it happens in war: people
are not aware that their lives hang in the balance. A soldier at the sight of my snayperki. I see it
shevelyaschiesya lips, white straight teeth, straight, with little crook nose, pale, clean-shaven
face.
There were two more soldiers, too, with buckets, and then hid in the bush. [65]
It took five minutes. Soldiers with the buckets slowly up the stairs. Water kolyshetsya, but not
spills over the edge. Vodichku value, type, it is expensive to get them.
Kulikov shipit for me, as a furious goose: he did not kill Nazis, and he was not allowed!
- A powerful warrior who knows how to win - he whispered answer.
I firmly decided: that day not to open fire. We need to know whether this part of Nazi officers of
rank, to determine the approaches to the spring in the bush.
Nerves were strained to the limit. I decided to relax a little, smoke. Descended to the bottom of
trenches and only raskuril tsigarku as Kulikov called me:
- No, you just see that they are bastards, do!
I put aside tsigarku took artillery tube. Yes, the picture is interesting, I can say seductive.
At the very ground where hour ago stood as at the exhibition, with a bucket of soldiers, officers
now wash. Stripped to the waist. Soldier of water on the back of the aluminum cups. Nearby are
three caps with the officer badge.
- You only see, chief, as he merrily on our land - not unimalsya Kulikov - as they themselves are
free, but we, the owners, dirty, sognulis as perochinnye knives, lezhim among the corpses,
stench smell. Poveselim Let them see how they are after our music will laugh!
- Do not touch, let pozhivut another day, give them life in installments. And their tongues,
speaking hinders the cause.
Nicholas again обиделся:
- Irresolute soldier only to dance itself learns.
We are still short spar - have a rest - and then pritihli.
At an altitude of 102.0 firefight started. For water tanks poslyshalsya rumble of tank engines.
I saw a well, where the Nazis. On the site they go down in a trench and disappeared under the
bank of the ravine - in the bunkers. There, they not afraid of any bombing or shelling. This part of
the coast ovrazhnogo they turned into a fortress. To share a bunker behind dzotom with two
machine guns. Embrasure dzota shoot steel plates. Bunkers and dzot connected by trenches,
where soldiers often run.
Already noon. Tortured thirst, cadaverous smell. Leaving from his, we did not expect that the
details here, and the products are not made.
Affiliate gun. We are seeing it. Through our head засновали bullets. Oh very tempting moment.
Installed sights on the three hundred meters, shot at the same time. Gunner continued their
work. As if we fired a blank cartridge.
Fight on our site stopped as suddenly as the beginning. We sat in silence with Nicholas. We
Grizlov conscience for the blunder. In Leslie, the head of different thoughts: lost visual acuity
and spoil optics, disrupted breathing, became «dergunkom» - Unlearning gently press the
descent ...
I looked at Koulikova. He dropped his head on the edge of helmets, sopit. Also unravel the cause
of misses.
- Okay, Kohl, POSP little - tell him to calm, and he has blamed himself for what light is: we are
shot down, but in such cases, the distance is always conceal, it can not trust the eye at first
glance, one must throw at least one eighth to the usual sum of m! And one more: from the
endless fire of all weapons of the air heats and shakes, is a visual mirage, it is sometimes
deceptively closer to the objective eyes. In [66] is also a need to make an amendment or make a
shot, even on false targets.
In the ravine again earned fascist gun. Kulikov prilnul to the optical sight of its snayperki.
- I have three hundred and fifty sight, you pass on the four - I have suggested.
Sight, again struck together. Machine gun shut. Kill gunner Nicholas. My bullet is not flown.
It is dusk, and we went to Nicholas collection point. Here life went its own course. Snipers
reported on their successes. Everyone who was killed a fascist - the whole story ... Took
«trophy» Ohrim Vasilchenko. In the hands he held a piece of thick plywood and carpentry pencil
stub.
- I like the former foreman tractor brigade, the account held at the «five», - he was sentenced,
placing each name against the number 1, 2, 3 ...
Against my Ohrim put zero.
- You, Comrade glavstarshina, I see disorder. It will continue to work - on the black board will
enter.
A soldier from the Third Battalion had dinner. Placed next to the thermos duffel bag, filled to
capacity cartridges, grenades, and quickly ran away from us.
Shortly before dawn blindage snipers again deserted. As planned, I plan all diverged at the firing
points. On this day, I decided to block the Fascist dzot and «officer» site by three sniper pairs.
Koulikova himself and chose a position near to yesterday.
In my hands periscope. But with the new position dzota not visible. Keep your helmet on the
ground and otpolzayu slightly to the side. Here it is, the entrance to the blindage. From there, put
out and UIS minute red head is hidden in an officer's cap. Reported the children. All three of our
pairs are located so that you can talk. And they were glad, frozen in anticipation of the goal.
Next to the dug-in trench, seemed cap. Viden kraeshek Nazi emblems. Cap slowly rising, already
evident to the whole logo visor.
- See? - I asked Koulikova.
- I can see.
- This is a fascist sniper in an ambush, invented a cheap bait. Cap hidden.
- Solarize - Kulikov said.
- Why is our site has a sniper? - I asked. Nikolai shrugged:
- A hell knows. One can see, has decided to die ahead of schedule ...
- That's all right, but you cut down a machine gunner yesterday. In what place he vlepil?
- In the head - said Nicholas.
- This way you threw the gauntlet of snipers. They take your call. At exactly hit you know. Need a
doll that looks like you.
Soft sun prigrevalo little shoulders, weak breeze pleasantly refreshing person - the last sweet
denechki outgoing autumn ...
It is dinner time. By the way blindage bowed down soldiers. Weapons from him was not any, only
one pot dangle in his hand. We exchanged opinions and agreed not to touch a soldier - let live, is
very kind to him zatrapezny, pathetic ...
It took another ten minutes or a little more, and then because of the rotation of trench seemed
huge glossy Nazi officer. Following him on the shoulder zakinuv rifle with telescopic sights, went
Hitlerite sniper. Behind the sniper because of the rotation of the same shallow trench [67] were
published, two more officers.One after another progremeli four shots and all four fascists formed
as podkoshennye. Kulikov thrown glove and left nepodnyatoy. We went to rival «crusade
Battalion».
Was the time near one of those killed did not appear. We were bored. Suddenly we hit a
massive fire of the artillery and mortars.
We climbed to their digging, sat down and thought, how many shells and mines exploded
nearby. When a mine is close to the ground, its tail hiss so that it seems as if you have guts of
abdominal pull. You think: «This is probably my». And it is looking, hit another trench.
Appeared nine dive-bomber. Vidal, important bird we podshibli, since aircraft have caused. One
of the bombs land in our trench. Plenty patted blast. Vasilchenko and I am deaf, Kulikov and
Morosov escaped with minor jitters.
More than two hours of air, artillery and mortars batter our site.
When all subsided, came indignant lieutenant Fedosov.
- What are the fascists, as the chain broke down, that you are here наделали?
From bombing and shelling of enemy battery and damaged about a railway tunnel. Wooden
boards that concealed guns from our eyes, spread. Guns were «stripped». Near them swarm
calculations. Came out of hiding and officers.
Now it's time to work us!
Vskinuv to sangar rifles, snipers literally spread from squad. The first shots laid officers. Worked
beside them, soldiers ostolbeneli, not knowing what's wrong. Gambling Dvoyashkin, but for him
and Shaykin zaklatsali closures. Even a couple of fascists tknulas nose into the ground. Only
now they understand what's wrong. Survivors gunner and loader dived into a bunker. Now a few
days will not appear at the shells in a bright time, and at night, as we know, from the shells, you
can shoot only darkness. We removed them completely.
Evening, summing up the day, I asked:
- It is now clear why it was impossible to rush yesterday?
- Finish the main, the new plan, - said Nikolai Kulikov.
13. Sky Soldiers

Soldiers sky over combat always seems to ovchinku. Always something is missing: the food, the
ammunition, there is no environment for leisure. But enough, although otbavlyay, danger. Just -
look at both, or death. And if the weather begins, I think: hole in the sky opened just over your
head, and all that is in the world of wet, slushy, cold, is for you to prodrog to the marrow. And
кажешься you imagine if a huge giant neukryvaemym.
But that same feeling in battle, and another is precious, in my opinion, way. Without it, PET, and
can not be fighting soldier.
Try to explain it but personal feelings.
It is a battle, and you think that all the bullets, mines, shells and even a bomb aimed at you. So,
for the enemy has no more important goal than you are. And if so, do not be a dupe, not
substitute itself foolish and blind pool fragments: Do you have a head, put a lot of the mysteries
of the enemy, becomes a giant, over which the sky with ovchinku in nearly invulnerable target.
However, the sense of giant should not leave thee: because if there [68] where you deystvuesh,
sent all the enemy fire, he or she is the most important part, by you, under your breast - the
same point, which can be called the center front or center of the earth . In this one you do not
dissuade.
Here's what you soldiers: giant - because the center of the earth covered them; neuyazvim -
because neither bullets nor shrapnel nor hellish fire not broken you.
During a defensive battle in Stalingrad was not such a day, to come across the front of a lull. And
when I'm talking here about the silence, or something breaks, then, of course, referred only to
those areas where I had to act. For example, on the southern slopes of Mamayev mound.
Again, these observations are based on the silence of the soldier's notion of the importance of
the frontier. We have come silence, and think: everywhere, all over the front of the enemy
primolk. Indeed Stalingrad earth has not ceased and the drone moan of air strikes and artillery,
nor day nor night. The attacks followed by counterattacks, some explosions, degenerating into a
continuous buzz in the area of the plant «Krasny Oktyabr», then on the approaches to the walls
of the plant «Barrikady», in the heart of the city. But we have become accustomed to this
continuous battle Gulu and noticed changes in the strain of fighting only for themselves, aslope
mound, but from the nearest neighbors left and right.
Here and now, after we successfully prodyryavili several officers' heads in a ravine near the
bunkers and antitank battery, we have now is quiet. But it was on: the enemy machine guns, do
not stop, whip sangar on our trenches, shot along the ravine, some bullets vpivalis dug in the
roof, where we were going to rest.
Even before nightfall the rain began, small crater filled with water. Under the rain had pot,
buckets, thermoses. Ohrim Vasilchonko preparing a bath, of course, without a pair. Just over a
sprained trenches poncho and began to wash. Instead, wash-rag - a piece of soldier's coat. Joke
went, dreamed of Birch venichke. Vymyvshis cold water, naked, fled to blindage, say, to
squeeze like Wash clothes. It was dirty, but one for us, no one store: clothing midge filled
grenades and ammunition.
Blindage for a soldier - it is a kitchen and a bedroom and bath.
Today, the second in our «Palace» captain looked Aksyonov - Assistant Chief of Staff of the
division. But the job he was commander of the division is examining the experience of the sniper
team in the forefront. Our group, type, liked him.
- Visited - said - with neighbors left and right, again you felt drawn.
In a wet rainy night we can sleep safely knowing that the Nazis did not go on the offensive,
although their artillery and mortars were methodical shelling our positions.
Wall blindage hodunom go, but we were sitting quietly.
- Do you have any extra crackers? - Timidly asked Captain Aksyonov. - In the morning nor the
grit in your mouth.
Ohrim Vasilchenko, on duty on «cockpit», as a joke we called her blindage, sorry divorced
hands: say, by the second day waiting for dinner.
Captain axons moved to the tube and under the weak light launched his notebook to write down
our knowledge and experience over the past day.
I went to the duty snipers. Rain lil is still dark, though the eyes vykoli.
Above the ravine vzmetnulas illumination flare-lamp. His suspended [69] by parachute
minometchiki opponent. Rocking, the fire settles so slowly that it seems to hang until the
morning. On the other side of the ravine, under the rays «lamp» froze two human figures. I
okliknul:
- Who is it?
There was no reply.
Jumped at the bunkers Dvoyashkin. Find out why he shouted on duty, threw in blindage, grabbed
the machine and the knee in water pobrel on the other side of the ravine. There went Ohrim
Vasilchenko, and called me to a captain Aksyonov.
It took another few minutes. At the entrance to the dug-match broke out. Then sat back in the
tent, and a tinkling tin bucket with tongue-in-cheek importance entered Ohrim, it Dvoyashkin.
They led long-awaited welcome - Ahmet Khabibulin, our podnoschika ammunition and food, and
politruk Stepan Kryahova.
Kryahov greeted with all the hand, withdrew from the back to the edges filled duffel bag, moved
it to, Ahmet, and said:
- Hear!
At this time we have more products than we expected. Among cans «Second Front» lay
osmushki shag-polukrupki.
Ohrim Vasilchenko fun thundered pot. Then all silence, nozzles, smack. Lack of appetite, no one
complained, and the porridge was very tasty. Even the captain Aksyonov sentenced:
- Good porridge, good ...
All knew that Kryahov, as always, brought news about the situation in Stalingrad, newspapers,
letters.
We were not mistaken. Hardly had time to collect duty pot as politruk put his hand in bosom and
a pack of letters lay in front of the lamp. In a moment they went to the hands. In blindage
became quiet. Everyone silently, with bated breath, read the news from home.
Only one Ohrim Vasilchenko did not know where to hide themselves among the shortest of our
soldier's luck: he had not waited for the letters in his home occupation, in Poltava region. It was
hard to look at him at such times, even refused to read letters or postponed until it separate from
the bunkers. But you can resist, when came the news from home ...
This has taken into account, we see Stepan Kryahov, knew about Ohrimovo grief. He suddenly
raised above the head solemnly another envelope, and said:
- I have a letter from a girl from Chelyabinsk. She asked to hand over a letter to the brave
soldier. To deliver orders?
We certainly do not think, responded:
- Ohrimu!
- Of course, Vasilchenko!
- He, he!
So Ohrim Vasilchenko a half years of war has received the first letter.
Received and is afraid to read, does not know what to do with it ... Finally tore the envelope.
I sat next to Ohrimom saw lines drawn straight maiden clear handwriting.
On the leaflet was written:
«I do not know who will read my letter, because I write the Unknown Soldier. I am 17 years old. If
at the age I am the daughter of gozhus you - can call his father, and if you are a little older than
me - will call you brother ... From girls and women of our department have collected gifts for the
defenders of Stalingrad ... We know that you are in the trenches hard and dangerous ... Our
hearts rush you. We work and live only for you.
... Although I am far away, in the Urals, I'm hoping that once again return to his native Minsk. Did
you hear the cries of my mother? .. »
Vasilchenko turned the page. [70] I managed to read the end of the letter:
«Kill fascist, even in his homeland will be mourning, let the tears pour it home! Beit enemy
bravely, as they beat them, our ancestors ».
Ohrim postponed a letter went up. He did not have enough air. He came out of bunkers. After a
minute back, grabbed the manual, a bag of grenades ... Clearly, thought something amiss. I
stood near the exit, widely, in sea astride. Vasilchenko understood my position - there is not
proydesh - crossed from one foot to the other, then sat on the edge of drug and how to defend,
has decided to disclose their audacious plan.
It turns out Vasilchenko and the boon of all the secret for several days in succession were
monitored for enemy bunkers, which shall cleave to the mound on the left side of us. They
studied the approaches to it, set the place duty hours, the time of changing of the guard. To carry
out planned waited just a good moment - heavy rain or snow. And such a moment arrived ...
Boon already escaped unnoticed from the bunkers.
I shouted to duty:- Immediately apprehend and return Kostrikova!
This is definitely vybilo Vasilchenko of equilibrium. He threw a bag with the machine and
grenades in a corner, cried, obzyvaya us traitors.
Aksenov, boarded the captain and politruk Kryahov.

- Don, Stalingrad soldiers, why are you roosters eat? - Shouted at Vasilchenko some of them.
On the face Ohrima made by large drops of sweat, eyes pomutneli mouth distortions. Only now it
has become clear to us that he was nervous attack. He fell on my hands. He trembled, he was
hitting his head on my chest. Finally Ohrim calmed down and immediately fell asleep. [71]
We listened carefully Kostrikova. Pattern of attacks merits attention. He even endorsed the
captain Aksyonov.
But rain did not stop. You can not miss such a moment: is there still such a rain, is unknown.
At the station before Kostrikova and acted Vasilchenko sniper pair - Afinogenov and Shcherbina.
You need to know what they say.
Woke Afinogenova. He jumped up instantly, as if just waiting and when he moved to his leg.
- Come, I am in the area know the ropes outputs. Oh how you can ask them to punish!
- Wait, listen to the end.
- I have heard what you said. Stalingrad I learned to sleep and hear the entire conversation.
Armed only with light weapons - assault rifles, grenades, knives. The first benefit Afinogenov, it
Scherbina then Stepan Kryahov me. We were afraid of one thing: how on the way to the dug-in
oneself is not a minefield. However, all were well. You can see us and this time accompanied
soldiers happiness.
That's blindage. Near the entrance, under an umbrella with automatic lady's neck is the time.
Afinogenov, not long thinking, spolz in a trench. In the dark blesnul knife and watch without
sound collapsed to the ground.
Afinogenov and Scherbina stayed upstairs, and we slowly entered the Kryahovym blindage.
Quickly rake environment. In a wooden wall at the door вбиты nails. At every nails machine.
Under the automatic helmets, some helmets - electric lights. Along the right and left walls - solid
pallet. At narah Hitlerites sleep under blankets. Quiet sleep, peaceful sleep. Above the head of
each - upper clothing. Blindage middle hangs a small electric light bulb, resulting in blindage
polumrachny soothing milky light.
We went to the machines, removed them from the wall, then turned the light bulb, trailers to their
belts but the flashlight. Hitlerites continued to snore.
Stepan Kryahov loudly, firmly skomandoval:
- For the death of mothers and children under fascist beasts - the fire!
Of the two machines hlestnul lead downpour. Fascists frustrated with the places, but then fell.
Blankets mixed in a heap.
We stood at the wall, cover automata, changing as needed position. I queued pallet length and
breadth. The procedure, no signs of resistance.
And suddenly I see by your feet wet by fascists. It is a linen, on which there is no dark spotless,
then no bullet is not touched him. How he managed not understand. Translate automatic to the
feet. Kryahov missing me by the hand:
- It is not a throne, you need «language»!
Blackshirt stretched his hands along the ground: say, give up, behold, even in the recumbent
position raise your hands.
This well-known German Russian language, and that saved him: he used all understand the
meaning of team Kryahova and started me in the legs.
Nemec was obedient. He quickly nakinul maskhalat over the linen, put his feet in the boots, and
we returned to his comrades with «language».
Way back quickly overcome. I dug his and Captain met us Aksyonov and sleep Vasilchenko, and
boon, and Khabibulin. German viewing from all sides, they inquired about the details of attacks.
But the story clearly does not jell. Before my eyes time and again raised the picture of what we
have done in the bunkers. At heart, it was like something bad. Even [72] has become kind of feel
sorry for those.
But having looked into the eyes of Ohrima Vasilchenko, who goes off the pupil is not yet
yesterday's melancholy, dark and disturbing, as the sky over combat soldier, I have concluded
their thoughts aloud:
- Let the soldiers from the sky will ovchinku, but on their own land, we - the owners!
14. My concern
Continuous Care soldier - to survive and defeat the enemy. After all, the dead are in line only to
roll and lead the fight alive. But I have one concern - education and training of new sniper art. All
the living are fighting for the continuation of life. And I also wanted to live long, if not physically,
then morally. I believe that everyone is prepared by a sniper, I will be able to take revenge for
me, keep free of other premature death and the most morally prolong my life, bring to a common
cause of poor outcome. That is why everything that has been linked to the sniper skill,
completely seized my thoughts and deeds.
On the first day of our work on the new station in the area of the plant «Krasny Oktyabr», my
attention was focused on sniper-novice townspeople. Average height, blue-eyed soldiers.
Features a large, short neck, chin hard. It was seemed sullen, unsociable, closed.
To do so, were their reasons. Citizens for a long sit with your partner at the forefront, but luck
was not. Moreover, today sent a fascist sniper bullet in it, and only because of inaccurate shots
newcomer remained alive: the bullet hit in helmet. But it was already a serious warning young
snipers: Look, before it is too late to change his tactics or even get out of the sniper team. I
podsel to Gorozhaevu silently launched its pouch, separated from the newspaper klinyshek
paper, turned tsigarku. He has done the same. Naqurah. Through the tobacco smoke was, it
seems easier to look at me: the sight of his blue eyes lost their gloomily, and he confessed:
- Do not give me sniper case. Look trench periscope all day, even in the eyes of stars appear,
but the goal can not catch. Automatic beat simple: give the command - and run, and there is
darkness ...
- It is not darkness, but savvy and exposure, I corrected Gorozhaeva.
- Let it be so - reluctantly agreed to it.
Here I am, not hurrying, explained that the sniper is required at first sight to determine the goal,
immediately evaluate it and striking with the first shot. And at the end of the meeting proposed
that:
- Tomorrow morning I invite you to partner.
In four hours of the morning, snipers have finished breakfast and began to diverge in their areas.
I have to go with Gorozhaevym at the position opposite to that of rail wagons. They mask the
enemy snipers and incapacitate our fighters and commanders. But first, I took a partner in
blindage Deputy Battalion Commander, Senior Lieutenant Arkhip Sukhareva, who was shot is
that part of the PA.
Were dug. Suharev lay in earthen narah covered with black cloth. Lead Nurse Klava preparing it
for dressing. Dora Shakhnovich helped her, holding in his hand flakonchik with any drug. Senior
lieutenant sat down, lowered his feet. Drops of blood on lips, face pale. His mind focused on me.
Much has been in this view, including the unrighteous [73] down to us: say, how are you, snipers
are not destroyed in time to hand that sent his shot in the back zamkombata. But I have not been
explained, justified: it was important to me that this view is said townspeople. And he said, felt
appreciated that the sniper in the eyes of the commander!
Stood silently near Arkhip Sukhareva, we came out of the bunkers.
In the factory area was furious battle. Do not run, run in different parts of the machine guns.
- Where are inhabited sniper, as you'll find it in the machine-gun cod? What sign can be installed
where it's nest? - I asked.
Citizens shrugged and quietly replied:
- A hell knows ...
- Devil тошно here too, they know nothing. We need to find a witness to tell where and how was
injured Suharev.
Soon able to meet the soldier who told us the following:
- Senior Lieutenant General, together with the nurse Zykov was instrumental in the boiler shop,
machine gunner in the Second Battalion. In the doorway a senior lieutenant swung, blood poured
from the mouth. I ran to him, wanted to help. Only bent down - I burned his left shoulder. We hid
in the boiler. There Zykov us bandaged ...
- How many soldiers and officers injured in the doorway? - I asked.
- The three soldiers, and now a senior lieutenant - said the soldiers.It became clear that the
entrance to the boiler keeps the target of a evil, an experienced sniper.
- Now we must take a position where our friends are dying, - I said Gorozhaevu.
We have to get in the boiler room. I installed a periscope on the windowsill of broken windows.
What did my partner.
Enemy Heather: works under the guise of a strong avtomatchikov. In my periscope hlestnula
automatic queue. Then the second. This is a fascist sniper mask their shots using
avtomatchikov. But where is he? For the third hour of sitting, and all to no avail. Townspeople
have vorchit, argues that there was no sniper position in front of us. I am silent: let himself
satisfied, that is wrong.
Right fascist avtomatchiki moved into the attack on the meat. Fighting spread to the depth of
defense. We continue to lezhim in ambush.
Look directly to us from under the wheels of wagon jumped Hitlerite avtomatchik. It is the
second, third ... tenth. They fall under the bank slope and lost over the ruins. Where do they go?
Suddenly, automatic queue zatreschali almost next to us. Several enemy soldiers scrambled to
the door aperture, the window behind which we were sitting. Anyone Gorozhaeva napryaglos,
blue in the eyes as had happened ... He excitedly started to throw grenades. I watered the fire
coming from the machine. And the Germans, having lost at the walls of the boiler house several
avtomatchikov, setbacks.
Again silence.
We Gorozhaevym continued to track down a sniper. Battlefield again seemed deserted. The
murdered avtomatchiki as podkoshenny Burian, lay their heads in different directions. Someone
screamed, called for their assistance, but no one answer. They now do not need. Unless we, as a
«bait», but to sniper fire on a nurse I have not raised hand.
And then came the captain in the boiler room [74] Basil Rakityansky, instructor of Political
Division, a seasoned political worker. He zaleg with holes in the wall, put holes in the
mouthpiece. I asked him to listen to me, and then really start «broadcast».
Captain endorsed my idea and agreed to help us: the anti-fascist speech in German to take a
sniper out of patience, he will forget about caution.
But we miscalculated.
At the voice of Captain Rakityanskogo responded gunner. They opened fire on a mad voice. We
responded targeted shots, six were sent to «cross Battalion», but the German sniper was never
found himself.
Then the bombing started. At the ruins of the walls, broken machines, on a pile of bricks bitogo
pushed bomb. We hid in a pit under the boiler.
- Where Rakityansky - is bombing! - Said some of my friends.
- Or maybe the opposite: where the bombing - there Rakityansky? - Replied the captain.
Aircraft flying over, and we again took their positions.
Rakityansky extended a hand to the horn and began to pull him out of bricks.
This point can be seen, and waited fascist sniper. His bullet please hand the captain above the
brush. But his position, he finally revealed. I managed to notice it: blackshirt built its nest under
the car, between the slope of the wheels.
Now it was necessary to enable Gorozhaevu prepare accurate shot. I advised him to choose a
place deep in the shop, and he stayed near the mouthpiece, to divert the attention of a sniper.
But the townspeople hurried: bullet flew through the hole in the wheel, hit on the track and went
to the side. Fascist snipers shot Gorozhaeva injury did not, on the contrary, as a warning.
We were to spend the night in the boiler room.
At the dawn of the boiler furnace down company commander Vasily Bolsheshapov. He brought
us polkotelka water and said:
- Here's your water, umoytes, wash their clear eyes, so to speak, to sharpen their aim - and for
the cause!
Umyvshis, we again took to their firing positions. I assumed the post of observation, while the
townspeople stood on the issue.
- What should I do to blackshirt shown himself? - I asked Gorozhaeva.
He replied:
- I do not know.
- Then see.
Mouthpiece Rakityanskogo captain lay on the old place. I prosunul hand between the bricks,
turned on edge and began to turn the voice of his.
Shots were heard. The bullet flew over my ear. Yes, fascist sniper fire came in before us. He
prepared for the meeting.
Progremelo another two shots - one after the other. Blackshirt shoots well and quickly. He nip me
between the bricks near the mouthpiece. Only a little move - immediately next to my head burst
with explosive bullet.
It takes an hour, the second one. I prikinulsya corpse. I can talk, but move your head or hand can
not.
Downwash eyes toward the sun, its rays blinded. I zazhmurilsya, and then I light up the idea:
blind fascist solar beam. Called Gorozhaeva closer and do not move, saying:
- Take a fragment of a mirror and on the right «bunny» into his eyes!
Townspeople had done everything exactly. Been! I have a bullet out of his trap and double
podsunul [75] to take his place layout. On the same type of change on our side did not happen.
Fascist sniper dropped down, hidden from the solar beam. Hole in the wheel of sight completely.
We have to select another position from which one could see at least the head of a fascist. He
was quiet, knowing that a Russian sniper had already killed is about the voice. And we go, we
select the position. Thirty meters east of the boiler house was a large tank with goudron, above -
ground lift. She could climb on iron lesenke. Climbed, dived down. Tar thick, viscous. Removed
one day with the track кинули her legs. In the wall of the tank a few holes. Choosing the most
inconspicuous. Now we are above the embankment, hence the visible enemy trenches.
However, sniper post covered wagon wheels. No, wait.
It took thirty minutes, and the sniper got from under the wheels. Put on his shoulder his rifle and
went along the trenches. Met some of her stopped, lifted his rifle from the shoulder.
- Do not hurry, - I said Gorozhaevu - albeit a little talk last time, tells how «cut off» in the voice of
Russian sniper.
- Clearly, - has answered the townspeople.
- Now remembers his face - I continued, - Lovi when he turns to you lbom.
- I can see, keep it on the fly.
- Well, - I have endorsed.
And at the same moment noticed that blackshirt ready vskinut rifle to shoulder. Butt is already
airborne.
- Bay! - Escaped from me as a breath.
Shots were heard. Fascist sniper, as a cut sunflower, fell on his back. His rifle fell across the
ditch and blocked the path of two Germans, on the chest which I have noticed a certain order.
My bullet prodyryavila his forehead.
We came out of the ambush, a very late happy. What was so pleased. Townspeople killed
fascists, to avenge the death of friends. And I rejoiced in the fact that helped him, passed his
knowledge and thus would have extended his life, his affairs.
After dinner we had dug in the news: in the front edge of the area of defense is taken captive.
Differences in this case, the commander of the mortar battery captain Krasnov.
A sniper on his envied minometchikam. We were ashamed to look each other in the eye. Ohrim
Vasilchenko shame the snipers tried to drown in tobacco smoke. He came to us komsorg
battalion, and quietly emerged Komsomolskoye assembly. I first took the floor.
That is what I said:
- How it turned out that the lance-corporal was caught not fascist snipers that day and night
without exit are at the forefront of defense, knows every stone, a bush? Why do we miss the fact
of withdrawal minometchikov over the front edge of the plot? - I reproached his comrades for the
loss of alertness, for negligence. They were silent, and I continued: - If the sniper does not rely
on the soldiers as the main owners of the situation, outstrips them and act on its own, locked, as
the snail in its shell, such a sniper waiting for clear failure.
The guys talk. Advance of their home, my statement. Komsomolets boon said that he had killed
twenty-six of all the fascists and Kim - seventy, but equal to such a «champion» should not be.
- You do not say, why? - Screaming from their seats. [76]
- What do I twist - ogryznulsya boon - let himself comes and tells Kim and ежели will lie, yulit as
vyun in the river, then I have amended it.
Kim stood up, calmly look okinul present. View his impressive: large facial features, with a large
crook nose, chin large, strong-willed, light hair rusye zachesany back, broad chest, strong
shoulders. Before this, he took out a pouch from his pocket and began to wring «goats' leg».
- What are you silent, time stood up, so speak - said someone.
- Al-you not see? I tsigarku steeper so with thoughts going. A tsigarku and twist it to say I do not
know.
By releasing a jet of smoke, Kim looked at Kostrikova, shook his head and one spirit off:
- You heard this chick with my sample does not wish to take? How, I ask you: "Take my
example? Just crossed the threshold of war and, as a cricket in khati, annoying. Here you have
me posvistish, I'll Narva ears, and thou shalt do as I say.
Asked Sidorova:
- As you went there?
- And even if he tells, and, once started. I postarshe it to me and to correct it.
Komsomolskoye like meeting devoted to the side, but curiosity pester everyone wanted to know
what is it that happened between Kostrikovym and Sidorova.
Rose boon.
- Two days ago, - he said - the fascists in small groups began to move up the slope height. Their
machine guns covered the right and left. I started a wedge machine guns, and Kim at this time of
shooting Nazis, increase your personal account. At that time, Kim has increased his personal
account, fascist machine gunner seriously wounded four of our soldiers. They remain alive or not
- that's the question. Kim believes higher personal life mates.
- War is not without casualties. What I am? - Kim is warranted. - Of the guns that were against
me, the Germans did not shoot, they like to bait sangar stood. Pospelov Not to put machine
guns, as I, along with a helmet head prodyryavil.
No matter how justified Sidorov, we brought him censure. The same night I went with him to his
station. Mask at the site drainage cleft ravine and began to long to observe in the direction of
Hitler's dzota. Machine gun from the fascist dzota beat uniform fraction, trace bullets fan
proshivali darkness on a broad front.
- Why did you not say that there is a nightclub gun? - I asked Sidorov.
- Machine-gun bullets that we were not touched - he answered.
- Ah, here is how do you think - I was troubled. - Tomorrow is Ask translate to another part.
At night, I brought here broneboyku and two shot guns zatknul throat night. I have helped solve
this problem Ohrim Vasilchenko.
Before the dawn of the connected I ran:
- It is the Chief of the battalion.
Wait a bit, we Ohrimom went first to their bunkers. Poslyshalis counter-moves. Vasilchenko I
pinned to the wall Ocopa. Soldiers from the rear carrying the breakfast. There were close and did
not notice us. Here it is, the power of disguise!
Some of our bunkers crowd strangers. All of [77] one smoked. Smelled the strong smoke.
- What are you here crowded difference! - Skomandoval my host's voice. Only one act is not my
voice. Before me, wide astride, stood burly soldiers. Although the growth it has not, but at the
shoulders - Kosaya fathoms. The force was felt in the soldiers, and the nature, type, ugly. All
rasstupilis all heard me, and he stands as the pillar. I touched his shoulder. Not turning the head,
he probasil:
- Well, what you?
- Come in blindage.
- I am not asking for it.
- And just do that in a blank sleeve pyalish eye?
- I do not pyalyu, - said the soldiers - and listen.
- Why do ears flap in vain? Gathered here and waiting, when Fascist fly grenades.
- You see, little cock, and a wide in the plumes, raskudahtalsya. Maybe cut the wings, not to
disengage sinful earth?
From the dug-out lieutenant Fedosov. Seeing me, he said:
- I am waiting for you.
- In honor of the festival is meeting this rally? All positions exposed to the nose of the enemy.
- You wonder hot. This assault team, so to speak, back. Where a commotion, fight, so we started
on a plot of this group go.
On the way to the headquarters battalion lieutenant told me about the appointment of mobile-
assault teams.
- They picked up the most desperate and strong people ...
- Clearly, - I answered - one of them are just now going to clip my wings.
- No offense to him, this is a good broneboyschik - reassured me a lieutenant.
- Well, why cause me to the headquarters of the battalion? - I asked.
- We'll see. Combat told to call you: let them, said Zaicev look, what are the snipers rotozei.
In blindage battalion headquarters was the questioning of prisoners, which took Captain Krasnov.
Lance-corporal asked the burly captain did not shoot him because he knows a lot and tell all in
the headquarters, but not here.
The questioning ended, and I was able to learn more about how, was taken captive.
Even the day before yesterday Captain Krasnov learned from intelligence on the location of a
German antitank battery and decided to check, or, more precisely, to see that your report scouts.
Sally was designed well, to the smallest detail.
Taking with them two strong minometchikov, the captain of a well-maskhalat the same color as
the Germans, spread over his shoulder strap phone, hang on the neck of German machine
design, even the side of garnets dangle from long cranks. Apparently, the captain - amateur
sensations - this time not without risk decided to try his fortune: he went with his assistants in the
German form is not observed at our station, crossed the front edge, is over mined areas in a
neutral and has been the location of enemy . A hand caught telephone wire on which bold spirits
have decided to get to the command post of the enemy batteries. Soon they met a German
telephone operator's service, which began to complain that his jade gusts on the line, there is no
rest day nor night, the commander of the battery looks to him like ass ...
- Now we can help you - [78] Krasnov said, knowing a little German.
- Are you a Serb? - Alerted telephone.
- Yes, a Serb - said Krasnov and immediately realized that the next move - an undue risk:
identify.
Telephone operator's service had to knock on the back of the head, around his mouth glove and
drag him back.
- How is it that you have to get noticed in our site? - I asked the captain.
He smiled and thoughtfully replied:
- Do not be surprised: when the fisherman saw that his float fishing rods jumped - klyuet big
bream - this could be a fisherman on his back to paint the premises, and he did not notice. The
psychological calculation. That you need to take into account, and not cursed in vain their
snipers, better teachers of their diligence.
I have to say just one word:
- Thank you!
Yes, in the sniper case should be taken into account what is called psychology find important
goal. Uvlecheshsya, taking your passion to combat insidious, sly sniper, and do not notice things
that are done right, left, and behind their backs. Loss of discretion. A good lesson taught me the
captain Krasnov. This must be hard to think about.
15. Confidence
In the twilight's way to a battery of Elijah Shuklina known in our division, fighter tank, differences
even in the days of fighting in the area Kastornoy. And the people in his cell - one by one, brave,
how the commander.
We okliknul machine gunner with the hands, a belt hung with grenades. He came to us
unexpectedly, and in my uper chest muzzle of the machine:
- Do not move, prodyryavlyu! I calmly took muzzle of the machine:
- Feofanov not Douri, is all their own.
- Check for resistance, - answered hour. It was my friend Basil Feofanov, later he became my
pupil.
Feofanov svistnul. Because of the reinforced concrete blocks out of soldiers, succeeded my
friend, and we went to the basement of the battery commander.
Loom near the famous Factory pipe with holes sideways. It dragged telephone wires from almost
all the artillery regiment of the army: the main adjustment point of Stalingrad. This is known
opponent. How many bombs, shells, mines have been spent to destroy this pipe - hundreds,
thousands, but the point corrections are not stopped. And only recently it appeared the enemy
snipers, and our spotter, one after another began to fail. Disrupted the accuracy of fire of our
batteries.
Gunners have asked for help from his commander, General Pozharsky. This is for this reason
that we, snipers, and had been a guest of Shuklina.
Ilia - a good man, with an open mind: for the good deed to seize a soldier in the embrace,
smother with kisses, as my girlfriend. Now I is spinning in his paws, as he sentenced:
- Ah yes Basil! How could I abandon you in Krasnoufimsk? Already hurt you in mind nekazist ...
And now, hear what we have: Nazi snipers pinned on the tube can not occur, the head, do not
stick. Location shoot - do not understand. Net, John.
Top Gudele artillery reverberation. But here in the cave [79] Shuklina on a tiny one did not pay
attention. Same machine-gun bursts, tears grenades were not heard.- Here's your room, fellow
snipers, relax, give in their weapons in readiness - Shuklin said, opening the tent door in the
room with narami for three people. There were Morosov, Shaykin, Kulikov. In the next
compartment housed Vasilchenko, townspeople, Volovatyh, Dryker.
- And we are with you, Chief, let us go to my compartment - invited me Shuklin - there came a
fellow Political army informer, wondered how you're ready to duel with the Nazi snipers. He
nashensky, Siberian battle ...
We crossed the corridor, wrapped in a corner and found themselves in command compartment.
Instead of drugs - along the walls of soldiers' beds, the middle table, skolochenny from the
boards. It cut the gray loaf of bread, and - miracle! - Pile on the plate, quite homely, pancakes.
At the other end of the table in front of semilineynoy lamp, utknuvshis in a notebook, sitting
blonde pug people. On the tab «tie» - the captain or senior politruk. I seem to see him at the
crossing on the day of arrival in Stalingrad. Then he gives our moryachkov away from the piers
...
But now, my main attention is attracted поджаренные, spongy pancakes. It was a luxury. With
delight, I even ohnul.
- Excellent live, comrade senior lieutenant - said I Shuklinu - can still Siberian dumplings in your
kitchen is?
- Can and Siberian dumplings, but the first thing to earn, but for the gunners of the case will not
be!
Shuklin put me at the table next to each other. It began the extermination of pancakes. Only this
blonde with «sleeper» to tab like zazevalsya: not removing the eyes from the notebook, he
extended a hand to the plate, but it was already empty. Looked up in surprise, he met with my
smile.
- I can see you, comrade Shuklin, it is reinforced. It seems, from the reserve team?
- Yes, - I answered for Shuklina - from the reserve, with Mamayev mound!
Like the blonde did not understand my irony, smiled, extended my hand:
- Ivan Grigoriev.
- Vasily Zaitsev, - I answered, pozhimaya his mighty hand.
- So what offense caused by snipers Mamaev Kurgan? - He asked how to identify the cause of
the appearance here at the plant «Krasny Oktyabr». This question puzzled me. I looked at
Grigor'eva and responded:
- Order of Commander - for the soldier by law.
- That I know, but I am interested in other things ...«What does it go in my soul?» - For some
reason, I was troubled, and quietly to himself raised the tone:
- First, Mamayev barrow and the plant «Krasny Oktyabr» equally fervent. Secondly ...
I translated the spirit of the new «shot», but Grigorev disarm me.
- Not hot water ... - And, pomolchav, called me by name: - John, you did not understand me: it is
about your mood. In fact, I have a month I write about you in the reports. Mamaev Kurgan - the
key position of our defense, and I wonder how you feel here ...
I liked his positions on the score Mamayev barrow. There is a desire to talk with him cordially.
We went to the wall, sat down at [80] bench, lit, and I began to talk about what has been
experienced and changed in the days of fighting on the slopes Mamayev mound.
- Here's out to Mamayev in District water tanks. Many scratch, while others will fall in place, and I
am unhurt. They say luck. The wounded - in the hospital, and I am lucky, again, to benefit from
the trenches ... Now called to the bank of Volga. - Here I Grigor'eva ukolol: - The Volga felt
drawn, like a deserted area with dangerous. As if I am wrong, that did not go to the burial mound
in the number of dead ...
- Yes, I believe you, - I interrupted Grigorev - you only think about themselves less «among the
dead».
I agree:
- I try.
- And try not to have - argued it - just do not hear, did not notice such talk. That said zavistniki,
jealous of fame. Now you need here. Let see how this «duck» works ...
Grigoriev, of course, exaggerated my ability, but as importantly, when people understand you,
believe you.
Faith, trust - what a force! Without trust the soul dries quickly running out of power, and you
emerge as wingless finch, which, it seems, everything is not capable. And when you believe, the
impossible becomes possible. If your forces are doubled. Confidence - the source of the soldiers
of inspiration, determination, meaningful step towards a feat. And faith - the mother of friendship,
and soldier's bravery. Here's where the commander and political worker switches to a soldier's
heart, to caches of hidden power, as the soldiers sometimes do not know.
Do not dare to judge all, but on personal experience I would say: if I did not believe they took to
question the results of my single output «hunting», I might not have risked so many of the goals
that I have struck, remained be eliminated only on paper. Moreover, preserving the faith in
yourself, trust officers and comrades, I left a personal account, without change, unless there was
confidence that the slew ...
Therefore, the differences were in numbers, which are given in the reports of snipers, and my
personal account. «Plyusovali» I sometimes according to observers: three did - then put in a
summary figure 3. But not all observers saw the goal as I saw them. They are judged on the
results only on the number of shots and collected in my cell cartridges. But what happened to
these goals - this only I know sometimes. And they were right up and even though we believed,
but have walked in areas where before that it was impossible to raise the head. Such control
commits us to much. It entered into force on the law of mutual trust. And then, unless you can
risk human life for the new numbers in the final summary to your name? That is why I had
logged plates: «Warning! This site pristrelyan fascist sniper! »I have exhibited these boards
where I have« hunt », and shooting only when I was sure that this sniper or machine gunner tag
end.
This I say then Grigoriev. Spoke about the honor of snipers, of his comrades, on their own
search and found the group in sniper tactics (since all this has been the subject of discussion in
one of the Divisions of General Staff: Grigorev once managed to write my confession and send it
the command in the form of articles).
Grigorev left, but I have more desire flared as soon as possible to deal with enemy snipers, who
[81] destroyed our spotter.
Last night I managed to talk with many gunners, witnessing death spotter. Ilya Shuklin helped
draw several schemes, for which my snipers could understand - what with the points, the angle
which has been under fire spotter for the pipe, which was the trajectory and hence the distance
the bullets flying from the barrel bore to the top of the pipe. Calculations, drawings, even a
detailed analysis of the shell optical device, пробитого sniper bullet, that prompted me how to
act tomorrow.
Considered by night scheme of sniping was more than successful. Here, in contrast to the
position on Mamayev barrow, accumulation of plant remains restricted review: optical time and
again to planish ragged fittings for vzdybivshiesya metal structures, the collapse of roofs, walls
on wry. So, to make a shot on the monitors at the chimney, you must depart on a long distance,
or choose a light in ruins. Other ways no. So we immediately began to feel clearances at the
depth and were not mistaken. Sniper optics allow pupils to see literally the eyes of Hitler's
soldiers, but we did not hurry to, fired only at the most dangerous snipers and machine-gun
points.
By noon, I spent clip. My mate Kulikov, too. Morozov and Shaykin - two magazines. Good shot
townspeople, Vasilchenko. The evening to verify the results, I asked Shuklina raise the pipe
dummy spotter. Desperate Il'ya Shuklin very useful there. Of course, I could not hold it, but it
took place, I peresohlo throat.
But Ilya shouted into the phone:
- Battery! On the first bench mark a projectile ... Fire!
Minute passed. Somewhere progremel shot.
- Good! On the second, two rounds ... Fire!
So Ilya Shuklin spent the evening artillery zorku.
The next morning, spotter were transferred to the firing positions of the necessary amendments.
And only when the batteries are located on the other side of the Volga river, I felt as tired. In
Gudele head, cut his eyes, as if they poured broken glass. They had to sleep at least an hour.
And I barely got to the first basement, fell asleep. Fell asleep, unaware that the resumption of
work at an enemy spotter cause mad rage.
Woken up from a strong blow in the shoulder. Jumped up, grabbed his rifle. Everything around
Gudele. On the ceiling rained bricks. The walls lurch long tongues of flame. Finally, saw a
clearance out of the cellar by pushing to the ground. The right and the left rush to the bomb.
One, Two, Three - meters in thirty - four from me. Blast me with your stomach turn over on his
back and back. Suddenly I found myself in a hole, probably, in the crater of a bomb. I look for
the sky. String of dive-bomber dive steeply almost to the ground, then with rocket revom to
tucham. On the ground nosyatsya fire tornadoes.
Finally in the air was quiet. Hitlerites rushed to the attack: the guise of bombing, they have
accumulated at the walls of the factory and now rushed gap in the walls, the clearances between
the destroyed buildings, shops. Heard their cries, commands. And as if that moment were waiting
for our guns - to work together, frantically, [82] without a break. Zahlopali grenade. For these
explosions it became clear to me where to where strangers. Begu help guys: it is our time! Byu
the choice, not counting the shots. Aim of those in the second line behind their soldiers ... Byu
until pusteet podsumok.
The battle began just fall by the evening. Now I need to collect their snipers. Place the collection
- the battery Shuklina, more precisely - the pipe with holes: a good landmark, visible from all
sides. It's way through the battle orders of the 39 th and 45 th Divisions. There are mixed. The
enemy is still able to occupy the northern part of the plant «Krasny Oktyabr» and come close to
this station to the bank of the Volga. Now here draw from the reserve unit. Especially a lot of
fighters from Bogunskogo and regiments Taraschanskogo 45 th Division of Schorsa. They must
break through to the Volga River to destroy the Nazis.
As dusk came to his. In place of assignation, at a site east of the pipe, I waited Kulikov,
townspeople, and Shaykin Morosov. There was no Vasilchenko, Volovatyh, Drykera ...
Bandaged wounds to each other, we went to seek them. Found only in the morning, under the
bank of the Volga, the health berth. Dryker, Volovatyh and Vasilchenko were not here on their
own. They had orderlies. Volovatyh and Vasilchenko were kontuzheny. They could not stand on
my legs. Drykera severely sick. Swollen, red eyes, they were lying on the bank, on bare rocks,
without litter. Over the past day is accumulated several hundred injured, and nurses do not have
time to look after all. Crossing was not working.
We took away their comrades, and went up to Bannomu gullies in the location of the
headquarters of its 284 th Division.
Placed us in the two bunkers of weapons workshops. First we looked Nikolai Logvinenko. He was
appointed Chief of Staff of the Second Battalion and arrived at the headquarters of the regiment
on the orders of the Chief of Staff Captain Petersburg. Soon came here and Brigadier
Commissioner Constantine Terentevich Zubkov. At that time, nurses and Lyuda Yablonskaya
Jack Kosova was treated the wounded, wash bruises. Our uniforms were in tatters tear.
Commissioner ordered to replace it, and cut us all under the car.
Sergeant Michael hozvzvoda Babayev has a set of summer clothing.
Washed, pollard, clean-shaven, we were like conscripts in ill-chosen outfit. For me, for example,
all ridge, blouse hung a bag, boots hlyabali - in four sizes More ...
Then came the division commander, Colonel Nikolai Filippovich Batyuk. He led here Zubkov. As
a senior team, I reported on the job, the loss of snipers. Komdiv okinul our gaze, looked at me
and laughed. He laughed contagious, but it is rare: he always looked angry. Empty reports
Batyuk could not tolerate so many staff workers were trying more to keep silent with him. And I
confess, was waiting for his separation for anything (unless you know what the problem might
otrugat senior commander), but komdiv laughed, and in the bunkers became like a cozy, warm.
- Who are you so razrisoval? - Batyuk asked, looking at the faces of snipers.
- A nurse Yablonskaya.
- For what it is you so painty?
- For Fritz, - said Kulikov.
- Well, before the wedding time [83] a lot. Listen to his task: at three in the morning komandarm
will pass by our bunkers ... By this time in Bath ravine snipers come from other divisions. Up to
three hours of rest. And you, Zaitsev, this uniform is similar to the vegetable guy. Go to blindage
by Brigadier Commissioner, there pereodeneshsya.
I have red and was ready to give, but the Commissioner of nodding heads made it clear: «Do not
bristle!»
At the entrance to the blindage Commissioner was young little soldiers. He smoked a tube full of
tobacco «golden fleece».
- Tell me, dear intellectual - I asked him - where there blindage Commissioner?
He looked at me closely and otpariroval:

- I love you, vegetable guy, had long been waiting for. Come ...
In blindage girl came up to me in the blouse, drag a wide officer with a belt hung on it a little
holster. Extended my hand.
- Lida.
- Vasily Zaitsev, - I answered. And then she fell asleep on me:
- Is it written in the newspapers that you have a duel with a fascist sniper used a mirror? I wonder
who that you borrowed it? How did I know? Yes because our Brigadier Commissioner collects
clippings about your business. Here and in charge of the case - Alesha Afanassiev ...
My conductor wreathed in smiles.
- Do you forgive me, - he said - I do not know in person, I thought, came a facilitator, that's held
in blindage by Commissioner - he now seems to be meeting. And you really Zaicev?
I Komsomolsky out a ticket, handed Alesha.
- That's great! - He exclaimed. - There will be a good article: «Vasily Zaitsev is a guest of
Brigadier Commissioner Zubkova».
A Zubkov. He smiled and said:
- Can you, Alyosha, do not rejoice in such an article in the newspaper would not. Will Article:
«Snipers 284 th Rifle Division in an interview with the commander of 62 th Army, Lieutenant
General Chuikov».
He went into the corner, get a leather briefcase, took out the overall book and said to me:
- Sit closer, come pobeseduem, and time is short. Tell.
- What, comrade Brigadier Commissioner? - I asked.
- Tell your biography.
- Zaitsev Vasily G., was born in 1915 in a forest, in the Urals ...
Commissioner interrupted me:
- Obozhdi, Basil, as understood - was born in the woods? Probably all the same in the village
something. And then, do you think, goes deep into the woods, under the hemp!
- No, comrade, Brigadier Commissioner, I was born in a forest, a forester in the bath, in the
passion week. On the second day of my birth mother saw my two teeth. Bad omen - I had to
break the wild beasts ... My father fought in the imperialist war, served as a soldier in the 8 th
Army Guard Brusilovsky. He returned home an invalid in 1917. As a child I was given a
nickname - Basurman. Learning, I was nowhere. Grandfather taught art exploration, the hunter. I
have good shot, was able to arrange for the faint-loop paths, Silko caught Kosachev, Ryabchikov
tent cover, with wood block to lasso the horns of wild goats ...
Behind my passion for memories. And again we got a confession ...
In the doorway appeared the Chief Political Lieutenant Colonel Vasily [84] Z. Tkachenko.
Brigadier Commissioner shut the book.
- Well, well, Basil, continue to the next time, now go go.
Alesha Lida and I waited in an adjacent compartment. At narah slide was based on the net, and
even new uniforms for forage-cap, while the caps - handkerchief! Near the drug had a pair of
barren, bare, true, but good boots.
- Disguise, then go have dinner, - said Lida and left.
I stared in astonishment at the things.
Uniforms came to me as to order. It turned out it belonged to Brigadier Commissioner Zubkova.

Only on the belt is not enough dyrochek ... From the trench soldier, I become a «dude» - the so-
called Lida me for dinner.
At three o'clock in the morning, snipers of our regiments gathered in the dug-divisional
commander. There was already Grigorev. A Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov. He greeted each by the
hand, then, smiling, said:
- What you are all beautiful, patch, with the labels. Vidal, tightly you scratched. Well done ...
- Comrade Commander, these do not interfere Latky fascists to beat - I answered for all. - We
are ready to perform any task.
- Thank you, - said Chuikov. - And for one bitogo two Nebit give ... Deretes you are well done,
fascists beat well. But despite this, the enemy was able to capture the north-western part of the
plant «Krasny Oktyabr». There is a hot battle. You, snipers can be very helpful. I know that three
of your mates are ... - Chuikov looked at Grigor'eva. - And get this for a simple reason: you
captured the excitement, and you, as they say, lost their sniper person become avtomatchikov,
the ordinary soldiers ... Berate you for it must be firmly scold. With you, Vasily Zaitsev, a special
demand. You must cherish every sniper of the group.
Chuikov looked at the clock - you can see, time to adjust it. He stood up, handed Grigoriev book,
on which was written my confession.
- I will not bore you by talking general. We face specific challenges: to beat the enemy, and
certainly no misses. For every mistake we are blood. So, let each of you will think, report back to
their conscience, to talk to her on the big picture - and then it becomes clear how they should act
in such a situation. Conscience - a strict and fair judge. Good luck! - Vasily Ivanovich and out of
the bunkers.
I was left alone with their thoughts. I thought about differently. Many gave me a battle of
Stalingrad. Matured and vozmuzhal. I feel so no longer a soldier, what was a month or two ago
...16. Grievances
I remembered the words of General Chuikov.
The situation has indeed evolved in such a way that everyone should ask themselves, their
consciences: and do all you have done to prevent the enemy to the Volga, to justify the hopes of
the people expressed in a letter to Stalin: «The enemy will be stopped and broken walls of
Stalingrad». Indeed, after so many days of brutal fighting, defensive, resolute and audacious
counter-attacks small assault teams, make our borders unprecedented strength, the enemy is
still able to capture part of the plant «Krasny Oktyabr» and come close to this station to the
Volga. The shelves, the defending district Barrikad, were cut off from the main army. This
success can okrylit Nazis, [85], and they believed in the opportunity to fully capture Stalingrad
Bank of Volga, will blow the whole world that has captured the fortress of the Bolsheviks on the
Volga, and now there are only scattered parts achieve ...
Yes, the conscience tells us there are not prompted, as dictated, ordered: to forget about their
wounds, fatigue, all private, to mobilize all its forces, the whole will to deprive the enemy of hope
for victory in Stalingrad. Conscience ordered: fighting, preziraya death. And this means: do not
wait special teams to be active himself, imposed their will on the enemy - and the Bay! Then, in
those days, I might not be aware of this so clearly as now. I rather feel that all my being, do not
hesitate. Yes, and there was then hesitate - you had to act. [86]
The same feeling as I thought, felt at that moment all the snipers in my group, all the
commanders and political worker, met in the dug-divisional headquarters of the commander. All
except the captain of Petersburg.
Maybe I was wrong then and was on the soldiers' very right in his judgment, but here and now,
after so much time, I can not change his opinion on the matter ...
Immediately after his meeting with General Chuikov our sniper team rushed to the positions in
the area of the plant «Krasny Oktyabr». Intuition prompted me, that we must settle before
daybreak on the flank of the enemy factions, which breaks to the Volga, and the tag light of the
bouncer who leads German soldiers in battle. In any case, each of us took with them, except for
sniper rifles, to machine with spare disks and a bag of grenades.
Ran straight through the trenches and the trenches, not prigibayas. Never peredohnuli.
Dawn found us in front of the fork and bath ravine, right hand which led to a factory town. It was
a good position for flank fire and concealed maneuver.
But fascist scouts do not nap, found a way of Russian snipers in the flank position. Less than five
minutes, as in the bottom of the ravine fan fell mines. Rose columns of smoke and earth. We
came under barrage. All around the darkened. Land and air in a ravine Kipelov, sotryasaya
Bank. It took half an hour, a rumble breaks are not smolkal. Then the barrage is divided into two:
one spread to the north, the other continued to batter the land next to us. But do not become
easier because the growing-automatic machine-gun fire. From the smoke and dust became
stuffy. We were lying at the bottom of the trench, waiting for the end artobrabotki and the
beginning of the attack, holding the machine ready and grenades ...
Finally, all subsided, but the Germans do not go over the top. And then, like a ghost, at the
bottom of the ravine there was black, as if burnt, the man with the pipe in the teeth. Only
Ousame pendulous, we identified the Chief of Staff, Second Battalion Logvinenko. He noticed
Pull in trench and headed for the snipers to us.
- Still alive? And in a ravine all perepahano. Fascists think there a lot of manpower, and turned
one, I ... Here they are and they gave me!
Interestingly, what came here Logvinenko? It's the same, to cause a fire, this ...
Logvinenko took my trench periscope and the fast ice to the breastwork. We took sniper cases.
Fascists are rarely shown, but no one went away. He made the shot and Nicholas Logvinenko. I
saw the head of fascist and yanked sletela helmet ...
- Hey, Chief, I killed a fascist or not? - Elicit it, though from my opinion depended - would live a
fascist or not.
- In my opinion, a good shot - I answered.
Logvinenko pomolchal, then, is another voice, asked:
- You see, under the stove observation point?

- I can see.
- And artillery tube see?
- I can see and the tube.- Okay. Then listen to me. Three days ago you returned to our vision of
the true item at the factory pipe. Now the task before you - to deny Nazi spotter. Clearly? Well,
once it is clear, then move on. - And Logvinenko left.
The task was of primary importance. Spotter, and the observers led by the enemy fire [87] of
their artillery, which beater on our part, attacked the enemy, break yesterday to the Volga.
Therefore, it can not linger. Logvinenko, thanks to him a matter of where they are the main
observation point. We quickly found a slot under the inspection of concrete slab above the
bunkers. Sit there, stervetsy, gleam of its enlightened optics. Now we will its prodyryavim! ..
Six slots. I distributed them among his comrades. Progremel salvo of six guns. After three
minutes - the second one. This second flight, we made for insurance: do not try, bastards,
change divided optics, you sterezhet accurate bullet!
It took some time, and the plant zagudeli dive-bomber. High explosive bomb forces shaking the
earth. Raise heavy laminated layers of red brick dust, crushed concrete, black smoke and red
flame. And what was done to us? This sniper rifle will not help ...
So if we throw some mysterious force. Moving forward, the positions of the enemy, to the factory
fence: there we will be able to meet the Nazis fire rifles and grenades.
Small splinter mines vpivaetsya in cheek Vasilchenko. Stop not. Ohrim on the fly and pulling out
fragments zakleivaet cheek patch.
- Well, how? - I asked him when we sprygnuli in a trench near the fence.
- Okay, TILQUES head болить.
In the air was still circled vultures. Dive-bomber burst chisel brick fence over our heads. One
bullet, tronuv my helmet fell. Small fragments uzhalili shoulder, elbow. I instinctively jumped.
Silly, of course, but it happens when the soldiers for a time to lose control over their actions, and
runs, not knowing where and why ... In addition, the longer you are under the tears of bombs,
mines, shells, under machine-gun fire, the less notice the danger. Something similar happened
to me. Begu crazy not prigibayas ... Fortunately Vasilchenko managed to catch up to me,
grabbed the collar and besieged for over a pile of broken valves. Breath.
I looked - the right, left pinned in the trenches of our soldiers. They can not raise the head, while
fascists are walking on their front edge to his full height: obnagleli using the bloom of its aircraft
...
- We must teach them - said Vasilchenko, applied to shoulder his rifle. I followed his example.
Four fascists went to the ammunition box on the shoulders. We were walking not hurrying, roll.
Not sgovarivayas, Ohrim shoots at first, I - in the next. The remaining two are my second priority.
But Ohrim unhappy: after the second shot he razdulo sleeve in the chamber - zaelo gate.
Above their heads again growing rumble of aircraft. They fall on the course of the bombing plot.
Now I accept sensible solution: pull Ohrima in a shelter, under the foundation of the factory walls.
The bombings swings wall. We think that our shelter is compressed, it becomes less and less ...
Ohrim sits with his head down, angry. What should I do it without their snayperki? But the bush is
in my hands, and Vasilchenko raises his head.
However, in this hour of need the avtomatchiki, not snipers. And we quietly to themselves
become avtomatchikov: go to counterattack, the enemy abandoned grenades ...
During one of the counter joined us Viktor Medvedev joined in this passion, which is not
observed, as were behind his back [88] Hitlerites. They grabbed him, oglushili butt on the head,
mouth gag zatknuli and dragged.
How was so much force in my voice, I do not know, but when I shouted to friends: «For me!» - It
seemed to me that heard all who were nearby.
Peremahnuv fallen through the pile of cars, we intercepted the path that departed Hitlerites
Victor Medvedev. Ambush was a success. The Germans tried to escape over the ruins of
individual houses, but did not have time. Victor was released. In addition, we were able to take
one fascists alive. This was a healthy red German, in a warm woman's scarf and warm coat.
This is because this is a German prisoner all happened. The point is that we were unable to save
him: on the way back we came under machine-gun fire, and the first turn, his head crushed.
Crowded machine gun fire, we had a long sit in the crater of a bomb. Victor Medvedev lay our
hands on the unconscious, his head was filled with blood ...
Only in the twilight came to the company commander's dug-avtomatchikov Third Battalion
Yevgenia Shetilova. And then to learn that from the very morning I was looking for captain
Питерский. It is racing communications, requiring search for Zaitsev. Where just looking for any
of us, but even experienced divisional explorers could not find a single sniper in my group. And
the captain Питерский managed to impress all the commanders of units of the regiment that
took us under surveillance, as to evade combat missions ...
That is why Evgeny Shetilov who knew me from the first day of fighting in Stalingrad, now at the
meeting spoke strongly to me:
- Where have you been?
Is he ready to accuse us of cowardice? I poholodelo under vanes. I can not find words to reply.
- No, John, I do not think bad about you, but you must tell me - where have you been?
Alexander Blinov Svyazist already telephoned to the headquarters of the regiment, and reported
that the gunmen came to the company. Captain Питерский asked me to call.
- Well, brattsy moryachki, I think, hit the trap, our chief, will now be destroyed by phone! - Said to
someone behind my back, and Blinov warned:
- John, keep, not robey.
Blinov was not mistaken. Captain Питерский cursed me perfect swearing. My attempts to say
something in response suppressed cries:
- Be silent!
Finally, I managed to say:
- Please send Captain Rakityanskogo, parse documents captive ...
St. Petersburg did not wait my words, cried out:
- Where captive?
I do not quite understand the question and the Chief of Staff, said:
- Killed ...
Here it began:
- You shoot low! - He shouted. - We are losing the best people to get «language», but you own
shoot prisoners! I order now and make a report to the owner on their actions. Excluded you from
the command sniper team!
By phone operator, I got out of the bunkers. For me to follow Kulikov, Dvoyashkin, boon,
Shaykin, Morozov, townspeople, Abzalov and Victor Medvedev remained dug-in: it was hard to
climb.
- Well, that's what friends - I said - I was suspended. Senior you will now Nikolai Kulikov.
- Why does not Victor Medvedev? - Nicholas objected. [89]
- Victor must deliver to the medical regiment.
- In the dark, they went together, and Victor will take with him - said Shaykin.
From rail cars, which we sought refuge, had to run three hundred meters of open space along the
railway embankment. Here, and at night the space proshivayut guns. You will have to play blind
man's buff with the death, soldier's experience happiness ... Maybe this is the last of my steps.
And then to write, as all: «He was killed in the performance of the job command», - I thought
bitterly.Holding onto the shoulders of communications, resigned Viktor Medvedev.
- I am already better, - he said, - Take me with you.
- And we're not going to leave without you, - I answered.
Sauna high above the ravine vzvilas rocket, leaving a long fiery tail, muffled burst in the air and
hanging like an electric light bulb. We have to land fast ice and otpolzli aside.
The sinister silence. It prevents us from dangerous slip station. Opponent next, listening to every
rustle. It is necessary to divert attention ... I got up. For me rose Sergeant Abzalov. Go to the
embankment, the greatest sound on purpose boots. Fascists are silent. Throw a grenade through
the groundwork - and only then zastrochili machines and machine guns. Fans tracer bullets
proshivayut darkness over our heads. We shoot with short bursts, but in the meantime the whole
group, together with Victor Medvedev manages to overcome a dangerous plot.
Avtomatchiki gunner on duty and keep us from Abzalovym under fire in a ditch near the
embankment. Not waiting for the end of firing, is moving in the pipe water and benefit from, not
knowing where she returns.
Somewhere rush projectiles, mines, grenades. Each explosion is given in a tube potter ring and it
seems quite close, as if above the head. This trap: the machine will turn out along the pipe - and
not a single bullet bypasses are not you ... We must get out quickly. Finally melknul clearance.
The pipe has led us to a new ditch with concrete walls. The missile exploded. We are pinned to
the wall. Near raised ballyhoo: rush grenades, automatic queue treschat uniformly discourage
shot guns.
- Where are we? - Asked Abzalov. - Maybe, fascists have come to?
- No, dear Abzaychik, is ours. Fascists shoot explosive bullets, and our prime. Lezhi quietly, they
now come here.
Lezhim. Hear the muted voices. What they are talking about - can not be dismantled, but it is
ours, Russian. The soldiers were in the dark, stumbles. Again, the missile exploded, and we saw
two avtomatchikov. My! Clearly hear their conversation:
- Then they have to lie, I saw well as carrion.
- Well then where are they?
- Yes here! - I say. Avtomatchiki fast ice to land. Then, wake, of the votes cast:
- We then killed the Germans are looking for!
- Well, then lead us, the living, to his.
On the way to the dug-regiment headquarters, we heard that our guys came safely to the shore
of Volga, to the infirmary.
The morning light, I just came to report to the Master of St. Petersburg, reported by all the rules,
even one's heels together stuknul. Chief of Staff, did not migaya, looked at me as if he saw
something special. Then ask:
- Well what can I do with you: the penalty for the company to send or have Mom?
- Run the place where the danger!
- Well, the senior group will be [90] Medvedev. They will remain in the area tirov - on the
northern outskirts of the plant «Krasny Oktyabr», but you go to a height ...
- There are at height! - I answered, not hiding the irony, and turned to exit.
- You were! - Skomandoval captain.
I again turned to him, repeated his order and turned around again - even better ...
- You were! - Poslyshalos behind his back, but I ran out of bunkers, and it is difficult zashagal
toward Mamayev mound.
17. Tyurin and Khabibulin
In the third battalion, I came alone. Sergeant Abzalov stayed at the headquarters. Opinionated,
and resentful of Kazakhstan could not be reconciled with the decision of the master of
Petersburg. And my throat constrict hurt ...
But, as they say, a blessing in disguise.
I sat near the company commander's dug-avtomatchikov, disassemble the bolt sniper rifles, it's
time to clean up - and conservation. Come Shetilov. He realized what was happening with me,
and pomolchav, like accidentally said:
- John, let's look at one place at altitude. It seems to me there knag a fascist sniper nest.
Eugene Shetilov know how you can return me to the line!
- Where? - Escaped me.
- Come on, show.
South water tank - is a seizure, it seems, from a bomb crater. Right from its dry branches
protrude. They do not harbor sangar crater, but hinder the view, which is done internally. On the
left side - brush. Beside it, on the edge of the crater lies shank mines torn, twisted, as the horns
of mountain sheep, ends.
- Well, as you think, there sits a sniper? - Said a senior lieutenant.
- Location was good, then he can see everything, but very quietly, - I answered.
Next to the company commander in the trench sat dry, wiry Stepan edge - connected Shetilova -
and smoked. Just a young guy, but all called him by name and patronymic - Stepan Ivanovich.
The soldiers respected him, and afraid. Respect for the courage, and afraid of steep temper.
Dokuriv samokrutku, communication said:
- That if I was a sniper, it would have made a fire out of there ... - Stepan Ivanovich extended a
hand and did not manage to agree: explosive bullet struck him in the wrist.
Who rejoices injury comrade? I'm not happy. But the sad mood, I just go up in smoke. You do
not have to brace up my distraction from talking resentment: the duel with deft sniper who can
shoot навскидку.
To get started, decided to equip some false positions to draw the enemy in battle, and there will
be seen ...
- I need an assistant - I asked Shetilova, once had to sanitation Stepan Ivanovich.
- Why?
I replied:
- With two or three firing position. One does not handle.
- Well, will you aid.
Prikinuv at what altitude was caught at the sight arm connected, I made a mark on the wall of the
trench, then otstegnul Shoulder infantry and began to choose the sand for armrests.
An hour later I was able to identify three sniper post. This is just in case: all of a sudden have
today [91] is to join the fight. The third left to sangar helmet - for bait. And not enough time to
depart, as it was at the bottom of the trench! For dents, it was clear that a sniper shot made from
the same position, with a fractured arm connected. «Lovok! - I thought. - Well, if you can not
wait, try to calm down before sunset today ... »
By noon I was able to search out the front panel of our «Maxima». He was masked pozhuhloy
grass and shrub branches. International branches chernelo manhole shield. Sometimes it gleam
pupil muzzle openings. Send a bullet in this pupil is useless - it will take a rebound from the
barrel aside and only spugnet sniper. We need to wait when he privstanet or at least pripodnimet
head.
Had to wait long. Snipers have lunch. Above the panel seemed two helmets. But which of them
belongs snipers? Something blesnulo. Cup from the thermos flask. Yeah, snipers, you can see,
they brought hot coffee. So who will drink? Here is one zaprokinul head. Drink the last sip - I can
see his chin. I clicked descent. The head knock back and shining glass fell to the panel.And then
I podpolz burly soldier forty years. Broad shoulders, a person Ugryumov.
Here is a meeting! But I am silent. Do not remember?

- Turin, - he called himself - is called Peter, the father Ivanovich.
- Hello, Peter Ivanovich, - I said imperturbably. - Why granted?
- Negotiable sent. Go, said to the «bloody blindage», they said, your brother, uralets, position
builds. This is about you like he has said.
- So, you are in my order arrived.
- Who are you have to dispose of me?
- Your brother, - I answered, barely restrained smile. Peter Tyurin, called contractors, my fellow
may not know me!
- Countryman, countryman ... Heard much from the Working Capital. Speak plainly what you are
about me?
Right there, near us, on the slope, seen broken blindage. I nodded in the direction of:
- Could we adapt this blindage under sniper position?
- Adapted to the swamp filly - no hooves left. Three machine-gun deaths of calculating it.
«Bloody blindage» his name. Pristrelyan, death comes without a stumble there, like the wind,
under the thin zipun.
I hear laughter, I was listening to Tyurina, and smiled. Обиделся fellow, his eyes narrowed,
eyebrows went up over Bugrov, head to the left ear to shoulder.
- You are what scherishsya, teeth rocks? I have tea, postarshe you. Do not turn and then go,
remember the name. Posoblyat you came, and you build a mockery.
Tyurin pouchy privstal, turned me back.
«Leaves», - thought I knew a fellow donors.
- Contractors, wait! - Escaped me.
Tyurin turned. His eyes opened wide, drew the neck, he stared fixedly at me. Finally, his view
that the clear and warmed.
- No, Basil? Gregory Zaytseva son!
The conversation broke burst. Exploding bullets rip to the breastwork, obdavaya us with sand
and small fragments. Tyurin Pull the wall Ocopa, grunted:
- Noticed сволочи, now will not give the head up.
- Will - I am reassured Tyurina. [92] - This machine gunner must make a trap.
- How do you arrange it? - Tyurin said in disbelief in his voice.
I slowly explained to him about his methods of hunting sniper, draw on a wall Ocopa scheme -
with which points can be held at gunpoint gunner.
- One srezhem - others will be rather afraid.
- You have a sniper theirs announced - almost a whisper warned me Tyurin.

- Talk louder, my ears lead him zatknul!
I looked, my brother alive. Easily turned on one side to another, lissom earned shovel.
- Wait, Tyurin ...
- Petr Ivanovich call me.
- Well, Pyotr Ivanovich, - I agree. - Lopato will work at night, and now bring here periscope, sheet
of plywood and two nail.
- Okay, I will go, once velish. Are you something like this? Sniper is ...
- He has not - I am reminded.
- Well, look. So, believe in myself well ... So I went.
I worked two hours disguise its basic position, slightly away from the main trench. He graduated,
and only then felt how tired and how to feel sleepy. I regret to remember about his fellow: he sent
the old man in vain for plywood, this work could be done later. Pull back to the wall trenches and
at once fell asleep fast.
It took another two hours. Through the slumber I hear as I was looking for Peter Ivanovich,
moves trench back-forward. His velvet baritone caresses my ears. Fellow vorchit himself,
возмущается, then, just like in a village in the farm yard, to his father shouting:
- Vasyanka!
I silently, waiting, that he would do next.
- John! Come out, tea in baklazhke prostynet!
I went out and asked:
- Well, as maskirovochka, Piotr Ivanovich?
- A good lunch today. Kasha, the truth, pearl, but with meat podlivom.
- I'm asking you about the mask, and you to me about the trouble.
- Well, John, I understand your word is not the wish podkormitsya you need.
We sat down to a pot. Dives in a tablespoons at a time. I looked, my Peter Ivanovich its large
spoon swoop, and meat and fat podlivu by my side in the pot closely.
- What are you, Peter Ivanovich, the meat did not take?
- And I, John, the mood today is, - he explained clearly failed. And to finally stifle talk about
meat, spoke tenderly: - Did you here that, Vasya, tea popey yes usni least for an hour, and then
you have red eyes, like a cancer. And the nails and plywood I had.
Privalov back to the heap of fresh sand on the bottom of the trench, I fell asleep again. Woke up
at night and did not believe me: Petr Ivanovich muffled me as a child, his greatcoat, the head -
duffel bag, his feet wrapped jersey. I thought that a soft and warm bed is not found now in the
whole Stalingrad.
- Peter Ivanovich, you frozen in a certain blouse! Why are you ...
- I, John, not merz, of warming up.
It turns out that while I was asleep, he dig a new progress message to the bunkers.
From dawn to Mamaev Kurgan naleteli fascist planes were rattling off the small mines and
grenades. In our trench pleased no less than thirty minutes. Smoke, dust, rotten [93] the smell of
explosives ... Not yet улегся black plume of granatnoy attack from the air, as the parapet of our
trench hit the first major mine fire.
According to the new course of communication, we moved to blindage: after all over the head
two roll logs.
From the explosions of heavy shells blindage swung as precarious.
- That damned slate, nehrist basurmanskaya - time and again repeated my brother.
- Peter Ivanovich, who are you so pushish?
- Know ...
Extension phrase I have not heard: exploded near blindage not a bomb, not the shell. Out of
debris with sand, light a small schelochka.
- Well, Peter Ivanovich, get up, we dig.
Thunderstruck, he realized I was on gestures rather than by words.
As expected, after such processing fascists rushed to attack. But wherever they turned - we have
not seen. We were corked in the «bloody blindage». Our deft silence, because the upstairs is
heard clattering feet. Whose legs there, who knows? Peter Ivanovich rake sand huge palms, a
spade. Before blood izodrannye eye burns that do not rake the sand and hot coals. Now you
have to see what is in front of bunkers. My eyes uperlis in the broad backs of brown uniforms.
Officer! No, the lance-corporal with a hand-held machine gun. His shoulders trembled from short
bursts.
Seized machine, I pulled the trigger, but scored sand gate refused. From anger, I was ready to
split the machine. Shoulders back zatryaslis gunner. I vydernul dental check-grenade and tossed
it under the feet of machine-gunner. Peter Ivanovich upersya shoulder of the supporting rack and
legs razdvinul output. I jumped to the slain gunner, grabbed his gun. Immediately noticed
another dead fascists with the machine. But where to shoot? Around thick haze of dust and
smoke. Only by firing can be determined that the battle is in the depth of our defense. So, you
need to hit in the rear!
I vozilsya with machine guns opened fire but could not: he did not know the enemy weapons.
Tyurin next to me beat out the German machine. Noticing a fascist officer, I threw the gun,
grabbed his snayperku, shot. Hitlerite fell. Peredernuv gate, I found a new goal. I went Tyurina
cartridges. He deferred to the captured machine guns to podpolz, turned to the right, left, tried to
stability, have made, took the lever back, dog put down and pulled the trigger. Machine gun to
work as a clock.
Fascists have their way between two fires. They cover, and fled in different directions. «Bloody
blindage» now sow death in their ranks.
Tyurin conducted fire occasionally amended his mustache and prigovarivaya:

- A basurmany! Fall!Enemy minometchiki zasekli us. They hit the broadside of a blindage
battery. I ogloh and then that failed through the land ...
How much time has passed - I do not know. When I opened my eyes, he saw near a first
Tyurina, and then several of the company avtomatchikov Shetilova: attack the enemy was
repulsed, the situation restored.
At the head Gudele, rustled in different voices, sailed in the sight of multicolored circles, trench
up the rear, from the broken earth bear the heat, as if from pise stove.
Tyurin fasten the buttons on my chest. Hands he trembled, left eye tears. In addition, in the midst
of battle he had lost [94] The sole boots, and he only noticed it now.
Someone pleasantry encourage it:
- Well, uncle, and an eagle on the fly soles fetches!
Soon on the legs Tyurin have been wide-angled trophy boots with wide short bootleg.
Last night «bloody blindage» equipped for human habitation. Embrasure closed sandbags,
output insulated poncho. Inside - full soldier comfort, but nothing has moved from the outside:
even if the enemy thinks blindage split, two bombs in a funnel is not falling!
Early in the morning brought breakfast. He brought ATAI Khabibulin - humble toiler that delivers
food to the region .. Set me a thermos of hot borsch, he was pleased embraced me for shoulders
and back pohlopyvaya huge palms, said:
- Okay, tabarish glabny will Eat, Eat going strong, then the tea ...
UIS immediately woke Tyurin, jumped as oshparenny, the evil eye. It seemed to me that he is
rushed with his fist on Khabibulin, so I hastened to present his old friend:
- This is my front one, ATAI Khabibulin.
- Front ... - Peredraznil [95] Tyurin me. -Nachprodovsky hamster, the front!
- Mail as saying: komyak? Neprabda! - Обиделся Khabibulin. And tell me Tyurin that I was
already aware.
Bashkirs of aul Chishma, he got into the army by accident. Sakayku saw his son at the front. I
came to the station astride his horse. The people were many. Away from the station wagon was
horse. Horses were vypryazheny, tied to the Vehicle and lazily chewed hay.
- My bay all night running, large hard road, tired - told Khabibulin.
He tied her to a bay military wagon, to chew казенного sentsa, and he went to seek a son. A
long walk along the line, fit to each car ( «box iron», - said Khabibulin), every door was opened,
called his son, but he did not answer. When returned to the wagon, which left his horse, he saw
that the horse has not - train plunged into echelon.
- Karabchil soldiers, my bay!
Should be read in the hoof with triangular spines podkov led him to one of the «drawers». In the
car he was not allowed, and he began to call the horse. Relieved of his thin lips and zasvistel
tube in the palm of your hand. Bay withdrawn scored hoofs. Echelon has moved. Khabibulin
managed to jump on the trip. Yes and still cock hozvzvoda with his horse.
Already before the Stalingrad is the son of Sakayku. We decided the father and son fight
together in the same regiment, and his horse officially entered for the coarse food shelf.
«Baba Fedya Karosh people», - the so-called commander Khabibulin hozvzvoda Sergeant
Theodore Babkina, which was followed by another horse and cart parokonnuyu.
Polk joined the battle for Stalingrad. In the early days of companies have suffered heavy losses.
Khabibulin has found his son at the crossing among the wounded, took him to his wagon in an
army hospital and returned to the company instead of his son, leaving the horse and cart in the
rear of the division.
- My hard Sakayka blood loss. Bomb killed a horse. I pulled the cartridge. And you my komyak
obzyval ... - Has finished his story Khabibulin.
Tyurin softened:
- Well, excuse ...
From this moment between them like a mutual understanding was established, but Tyurin no-no
and was ready to somehow vulnerable Khabibulin. And among those that increasingly became
the visits to our blindage. Delivered meals, boxes of bullets and grenades. He was a twin.
Without the goods did not go: if one side was carrying ammunition, the back taschil been
wounded. He owned a bad Russian language, but good to know that you need a soldier in the
trenches.
Sniper Abzalova he called «My Sakai», spoken to him in their native language. Abzalov pay
good attention has been called ataem - father.
Khabibulin was awarded a medal «For fighting merit». He rejoiced in this award is probably more
than I, received the Order of the Red Banner.
After two months of fighting in Stalingrad Khabibulin has been experienced, brave warrior. And
suddenly oploshal. As it appeared pale, lips blue, totter ...
- Shot?
Khabibulin collapsed face down. At the back, two dark spots. Tyurin took off his overcoat,
blouse, put a plaster on the wound, bandage perebity elbow. No sound, not a single moan issued
Khabibulin. I framed his mouth flask. Khabibulin [96] smiled and shook his head negatively.
- Your my stock is not.
- Well, at least a breath, it is easier to become - to persuade his Tyurin. - Even though the drop is
because of your hands was taken, you brought ...
- Well, the Ural-man, the fire can not be glatay sinful.
Only now we learn that he does not drink and can not tolerate alcohol.
- It seems he has such faith - explained Tyurin. - And in vain, it will be hard to move without pain
medicine. In medsanbat it should be.
- Do not go, - objected Khabibulin - there Sakayka my dying ...
I would immediately grab the UIS snayperku and revenge for Khabibulin to the gunner, who
hlestnul him in the back, but after contusion on my hands still trembled. It made me Abzalov.
Evening, when dark, Tyurin and Khabibulin, embraced each other by the shoulders, went out of
the bunkers. There they met the Chief of Political Division Vasili Z. Tkachenko, he came here
with a group of my friends-sniping.
- Outsiders - said Tyurin snipers. - Respect the need, the Urals with Bashkiria go. Tyurin with
Khabibulin!18. Outrights
At night our scouts privolokli bagged «language». On questioning, he reported that the fascist
command is seriously concerned about the actions of our snipers. From Berlin, the head of the
aircraft delivered to the school of German sniper, Major Konings, who received the assignment
to kill first and foremost, as captive, «chief hare».
Division Commander, Colonel Batyuk was in good spirits.
- Mayor for our хлопцев - this is nothing, - he joked. - They had to fly to the Führer. This bird
hunting, it would be interesting. True, Zaicev?
- Correct, Comrade Colonel, - I say. And I think to myself: «It is easy to say all the same head of
school, apparently, the beast-dyed ...»
- Well, you should destroy this sverhsnaypera - has a strict tone komdiv said. - Just do it
carefully, intelligently.
I have learned to quickly unravel «hand» Nazi snipers, by the nature of fire and mask easily vary
by more experienced shooters from beginners, cowards - from opinionated and determined. But
the nature of the head of the school has long remained a mystery to me. Daily, our observations
did not provide specific. It was hard to even tell what part of a fascist. Perhaps he often changed
the position and also carefully searched for me, as I have it.
Do not discontinue the search of Berlin supersnaypera, I tried to analyze the personal experience
and that of their comrades in order to find the most correct decision.
Experience suggests that without the help of their friends trench - riflemen, machine gunner,
engineers and communications staff - do not count on success.
Usually after a fascist sniper detected, identified its location, I whistle, say, machine gunner, had
his pipe, he took the trench periscope, said the most notable of sight and started to machine-
gunner on the benchmarks. So, when the gunner sees a fascist sniper, satisfied as he artfully
masked, then it becomes your machine gunner literate assistant.
At a demonstration takes an hour, sometimes two. Some snipers reproached me:
- This show does not need soldiers. If you need an assistant, so company commander orders,
[97], and any soldier goes to you for the lovely soul.
All of this is correct, but I turned to the soldier's heart, his conscience, his conscience. And when
we are well aware of each other, then come heartache and joy of success.
In addition, during the preparation of false position, set the layout, the mask gave me the
opportunity to explore every soldier who is capable of that. Another soldier, looking, proactive,
bold, and the assistants did not fit: too hot, and flash off. At this should not be relied upon in the
long struggle: After the first serious shaking will cause it to go away under the pretext of a more
important cause. And in fact, he simply be out of stock of courage.
These characters are often found among beginners snipers.
It is more difficult characters unravel enemy snipers. I only clear - they are all hard. And for
them, I found its method: to prepare a good doll, put it quietly, and begin to move - a doll, like
people, must change their posture. Next to the doll, your position is well disguised. Sniper fire on
the enemy gave the doll, but she remained «live», and then begins to demonstrate the persistent
nature. Does the second shot, and then preparing for the third, but usually before the third shot
himself gets on the fly.
Experienced snipers the enemy come to their positions under cover of fire and accompanied by
two or three assistants. Before such a «wolf» I usually play newcomer, or rather, a simple soldier,
and to lull its vigilance, or just started to joke with him: after each shot showed him the result of
firing conventional signs, as is customary at the time of shooting practice. Such a target fascist
sniper quickly adapt and stop noticing it. And as soon as it is diverted for other purposes, I
instantly took the target. To do this you need a few seconds. Otshvyrival to target the head of
fascist and caught at the crossroads of the sight of its snayperki.
Detection of targets in the camp of the enemy, I divided into two phases. The first begins with an
examination of the enemy defense. Then found out where, when and under what conditions our
soldiers were wounded. In this case, well, I helped nurse. They spoke with collect the wounded,
and I went there looking for witnesses, they learned all the details of the history of injury and at
the expense of solving circuit enemy fire. That I am the first stage of determining where you
want to find the target. The second stage I call the search for purpose. In order to not get to fly a
fascist sniper, surveillance reconnaissance terrain led through the window or periscope artillery
tubes. Optical sight sniper rifle or binoculars in this case does not work. Experience has shown
that where before it was reviving the enemy, but now not notice any extra traffic, then it settled
dyed predator. That is why I have my friends, snipers said: not studied the situation, not talked to
the people - not lez for trouble. In the sniper case it is necessary to adhere to the principle of
popular proverb: «seven times out, a leap». Indeed, for the preparation of accurate shots need a
lot of work, to invent, explore nature, the enemy force, grope his weaknesses, and only after that
proceed to solving the problem by one shot.
The success of monitoring is achieved only by practical exercises, directly on the ground. In the
military environment to acquire these skills are not so simple. Each output [98] in the position
should be strict disguise. Sniper, not being able to watch disguised, is not a sniper, but simply a
target for the enemy.
Was at the front edge, zamaskiruysya, stone lezhi and watch, he studied the terrain, was a card,
applied to the card features. If in the process of observation itself showed some reckless
movement of the head, opened and the enemy has not had time to escape, remember, you are
allowed remiss for his blunder will get a bullet in his head. This is the life of a sniper.
Therefore, in the preparation of the snipers, I personally gave secrecy and disguise the most
important consideration.
Each has its own sniper tactics, its methods, its own tale, ingenuity. But for all beginners and
experienced snipers must always remember that before you tactically mature, proactive,
resourceful and very marksman. His need to outwit, to draw in a complicated struggle, and thus
bind to the chosen position. How to achieve this? Thought out false moves, dissipate his mind, to
confuse their traces, annoying intricate movements, weary of his visual concentration. I am
against the fundamental organization of a sniper, even in long-term defense system. Sniper - this
is a nomad, a sudden, where the enemy is not waiting. For the initiative to fire must be fought.
Some rede rebus the opponent does not give, if you do not have the confidence to pay for these
tricks tag fire quickly and decisively.Once in the area ldohranilischa, in the arrangement of the
sixth defense company, snipers Nikolai Kulikov and Galifan Abzalov in the course of the day did
not show on your site, no signs of life: sitting in the trench, under the railway bed. Only on the
second day of a rope attached to the cans and brought them before dawn on a neutral zone. One
end of the rope was left in the trench. Sun rose, and cans zagremeli under the very nose of the
Germans. Those were peep. There is one head, two. Snipers done on the shot. An hour later,
again the same. Thus the evening Kulikov and Abzalov disabled the whole department enemy.
Once during a lull in the forefront among the ruins, I met two soldiers, snipers - Afinogenova and
Shcherbina. They walked toward me sluggish. We are greeted with a path away to the side, sat
on the rocks, lit.
- Where are going? - I asked them.
- The location of company. Nazis hid, the nose did not show, you can relax - Scherbina
answered.
- Зря go - I said - a convenient time for adjustment purposes.
They agreed and we went to the area tirov.
On the way it turned out that both of them never made adjustment possible targets. Felt it was
unnecessary. Simply go to the ruins across the front edge, and, noticing the enemy opened fire.
This often resulted in misses. Otherwise, and could not be: the distance to the goal will not
determine in advance prepared for shooting there, but the goal is for a few seconds - this is the
cause of misses. It is necessary to pre-cook a few posts, well vperedilezhaschuyu to explore the
terrain, identify targets and determine the distance to them, and then in the hours of calm will be
successful.
We came to the town factory, went into a ruined house. Here was my fallback position. I showed
friends, where the enemy is [99] dzoty, a machine gun, a weapon of direct-fire, observation
posts, military cordon, and said:
- As you can see the snipers do not need to know so much about the opponent's defense. He
came to the position to find the desired piece of notebook - introduced in firearms card
necessary amendments and wait convenient moment. For well-trained sniper is the fact that the
goal seemed for a short time. During this time you need to catch it on the fly, sight, and make the
shot without misses.
It was four hours of the day.
- Now the fascists during lunch time - I said, turning to friends - they are punctual.
And took out from the wall okopchika piece of plywood. It has drawn fire card. From the time
some numbers erased. I am out a stub of a pencil, updated figures, then put the correct sight,
manufactured by shooting, was waiting. My comrades through the trench periscopes observed
the position of the enemy. Sitting quietly. Monitor closely the behavior of the opponent. It has
been a jam. Hunting fervor and passion with my young friends began to disappear. Annoying
sameness, wants to move to another position, to talk with soldiers.
- Wait! - I pull them. - In an ambush you can not talk.
My friends have fallen silent. After the past few minutes. At the head of a German trench. I
immediately fired. German helmet flew to the breastwork. All again subsided. Helmet lies at the
very top of parapet. From the trenches, showing the head, was dangle shovel: it survived the
remainder of the second blackshirt deepens his trench.
I have not once had to beat the Nazis to choose from. There have been cases where, through an
optical sight, I met his old friends. Observe the behavior of the enemy - my passion. Here you
will see - from the dug-out napyzhenny a fascist officer, stuffy, overbearing gestures soldiers
scatters in different directions. They just perform his will, his desires, his whim. But he does not
know what it is to live a few seconds.
I see his thin lips, straight teeth, a hard chin and fleshy nose. Sometimes, creating a feeling, as if
seized by the serpent's head the most, it winds, and my hand is compressed - and shots were
heard ...
In our division of the snipers became a rule of life: to assemble in one blindage and summarize
the day to express their suggestions, to report the news in the tactics of the enemy.
We have done calculations: in order to make a sighting shot, snipers should be ten seconds.
Thus, for one minute sniper can make five shots. To charge the cartridges in the rifle must be
twenty, thirty seconds. As you can see for one minute, ten snipers can kill fifty enemy soldiers.
Among us, the sniper, was considered a top specialist Sasha Kolentev. We treated him with
respect, to know that he graduated from the Moscow School of snipers and a well-known rules of
firing a rifle with a sniper sight. And once he opened his protivogaznuyu bag, threw it willows
cartridges, grenades, a dirty cloth, which is known as a towel, then stretched a little daddy in
leather binding, it has deployed and read out to us the words that I immediately rewrote in his
notebook: «The road to best shot - this is a small walkway laid on the edge of steep banks of
bottomless abyss. Going to a duel, each sniper [100] worries, as if one foot on the edge of the
stone face.
To stand on the precipice at the sharp stones, need, of course, courage, training, calmness and
composure. This feeling enveloped me. The winner of the duel is the one who first succeeded in
thwarting himself ».
Thus, rethinking and obdumyvaya my experience, I, along with his comrades to find a way to a
decisive fight with Berlin supersnayperom, who deftly and skillfully until overact us.
But one day my friend-Ural Morozov broke sniper optic sight, and Shaykina wounded. Morozov
and Shaykin snipers were experienced, they often went out as winners in the most complex and
difficult fight. Now there was no doubt - they met at a fascist «sverhsnaypera», which I was
looking for.
At dawn, I went to Nikolai Kulikov at the same position, where our comrades were yesterday.
Friend, many days studied the front edge of the enemy. Nothing new. End of the day ... But over
the Fascist trenches suddenly lifted helmet and slowly moves along the trench. Shoot? No. This
is a trick: a helmet swinging unnaturally, it seems, has Assistant sniper, the sniper is waiting, so I
gave a shot.
Prosideli senselessly until dark.
- Where is he cursed, can camouflage? - Asked Kulikov, when we, under the cover of the
coming night left an ambush.
- In all the case - I say.
- And if not here? Maybe a long time gone? - Questioned Kulikov.
But for the patience they have shown our adversary does not find itself on the entire day, I just
guessed that the Berlin sniper here. Require special vigilance.
It has been the second day. Who will prove stronger nerves? Who is who outwitted?
Nikolai Kulikov, my faithful friend of the front, too, was fascinated by this fight. He no longer
doubted that the enemy before us, and strongly hoped for success.
Evening in the dugouts I expected a letter from Vladivostok. Colleagues wrote:
«Got us about your heroic deeds on the banks of the Volga. Proud of you - our pupil ...».
I felt uncomfortable. We upset the front-line usage and read the letter alone: friends write about
«exploits», which is a day for a fascist senselessly hunt ... But Kulikov, and Medvedev
zavorchali:
- Kohl in the Pacific - read aloud!
I had read.
It seemed that not a letter, and Pacific Wave burst into the dugouts, resulting in expensive
memory, then Victor Medvedev said:
- It is necessary to immediately respond. Write, John, all of us: he said, the Marine honor not
shame ...
On the third day with us in an ambush went politruk Danilov.
The morning began normally: dissipates the darkness night, with each minute, all clearly show up
the position of the enemy.
Next boil the battle. shipeli projectiles in the air, but we, the fast ice to the optical devices,
inseparably monitor what was being done in front.
- Yes here it is, I will show you the finger! - Suddenly exclaimed politruk. It is a little bit, just for a
moment, raised above the parapet, but that was enough. Fortunately, the bullet only wounded
politruk.
It can shoot, of course, only an experienced sniper. I have long peer [101] into the enemy
positions, but found it could not be ambushed. For many days I have studied both the front edge
of the enemy, immediately noticed that each new funnel, each newly emerged sangar. Now,
nothing new and was not suspicious.
But for quick shots, I concluded that a sniper somewhere in front of us.
Continue to observe. Left - padded tank, right - dzot. Fascists in the tank? No. An experienced
sniper there zasyadet. In dzote? Also there - embrasure closed tightly.
Between the tank and dzotom, on level ground in front of the line of defense fascists, is an iron
sheet with a slight protuberance bitogo brick. Long lies primelkalsya. Put yourself in position the
enemy: where better to take a sniper position? Not otryt whether the cell under the sheets? Night
to make it hidden passages ...
Yes, probably, he is under an iron sheet, for no man's land.
I decided to check. At the plate wore gloves, had raised her. Fascists klyunul! Yeah, great.
Beware omit plate in the trench at the same position in which lifts. I looked at the holes. No rake,
a direct hit! So, precisely, fascist under a sheet.
- Tam, viper ... - Carry out an ambush near the quiet voice of Nikolai Kulikov.
Now you have enticed out of his. Though kraeshek head.
Useless to do so now. But with this good position, he is unlikely to leave, his character is fairly
well known.
Up the post of the night. Shall be inhabited until dawn. Morning fascists opened fire. By crossing
the Volga beaten enemy mortars. Rocket soared into the sky. Then hit our artillery, mortars and
fascist silent. There were German bombers.
Sun rose. Kulikov made a «blind» shot: sniper should intriguing. We decided to wait the first half
of the day: shine optics can give us. After lunch our rifles were already in shadow, while the
position of fascist dropped direct rays of the sun. At the edge of the sheet is something
zablestelo. Random fragments of glass or a sniper sight? ..
Kulikov carefully, as it can make only the most experienced sniper, was the heft helmet. Fascists
shot. Kulikov momentarily raised, cried aloud and fell ...
Finally a Soviet sniper, «chief hare», which was hunting for four days, killed! - I thought, perhaps,
German, and put out from under the sheet polgolovy, I am struck. The head of fascist settled,
and the optical sight of his rifle still sparkled in the sun.
Kulikov was lying at the bottom of the trench and filled with laughter.
- Run! - I shouted to him.
Nicholas spohvatilsya and spread for me in a spare office. And for our ambush Nazis brought
under artillery fire.
Once dark, we at this station had a night sortie. In the midst of battle, we Kulikov dragged from
under the iron sheet slain fascist mayor, learned of his papers and brought them the commander
of the division.
- I was sure that you pick off a bird that Berlin - said Colonel Batyuk. - But you, Comrade Zaitsev,
a new business. Tomorrow at one site is expected to attack the fascists. Chuikov instructed to
select the best team of snipers and to disrupt the attack. How many of you in line хлопцев?
- Thirteen people.
Komdiv thought. Then he said:
- So, against thirteen hundred. Able?
- Try - I answered. [102]
19. Serve the Soviet Union
At the front of my band, the whole crown of the head bandages. Nothing I see. How many days
have passed and nights after the hit in this MGLU, it is difficult to say. In fact, sighted people
meet each new day with the dawn, and part with him in the evening twilight, but here - solid,
without the slightest Prosvetov, darkness. Here is a habit, and try not count how many days and
nights lie, to be exact - flying into the bottomless depths? ..
Luckily there is a hearing, sense of smell, which helps to think about environment and not just
count down the days, even hours. This ability is not immediately, but when a little used to
blindness. No wonder at the blind listening exacerbated to the point that they sound measure
distance. They say even: sighted hearing. I myself suffer from it. Somewhere in the third or
fourth week of stay in hospital I, on the sniper habit could almost accurately determine the
distance to the dogs, which layala on the outskirts of the village. The distance in a straight line of
sight. Even thinking - from the sound, you can pinpoint the fire. Funny, of course, but then I
could not accept the fact that blindness may be forever separated me from snayperkoy.
Experience helped to guess who is coming to my bed - the doctor, or friends from a neighboring
room. From the white robe веет fresh from the soldier's clothes - poorly ventilated hold.
Black ... The symbol of darkness, oppression, violence, the color of a fascist banner. They say
that Hitler is a little sandy mustache, but the black paint, and it is damned, is pleased to do so.
Darkness on standards, on the face of darkness. The most poisonous viper venom accumulate in
the dark.
So I thought about covering my blackness.
This has deprived me of the black principal - the possibility to see the enemy and striking him.
But I do not want to recognize and not recognize its power: memory helps me to see everything
that was before my eyes before the fire struck in the face.
As commander of the task division of Nicholas Philippovich Batiouk - to disrupt the enemy's
attack at the position pravoflangovogo regiment - our team of snipers used for unexpected
enemy tactics. Knowing in advance the direction of attack, we decided to take the sight in the
first place team and the enemy observation posts. Thirteen sniper rifles, thirteen pairs of eyes,
armed with an optical sight, took control from various points of the most attractive items for
reconnaissance in the depth of combat orders of the enemy. Group hunting. Meaning it was that
even before the onset of companies and battalions to decapitate the enemy. The calculation was
simple: Hitler officers will be on the last tour of the band - send them to the situation of the share
of the lead. Jumped out of a brave forward to bring soldiers - do not delay, proshivay his head!
Marked with a successful opponent - all thirteen snayperok turn to the side and cut, first officers,
and then someone would have, that nobody was nepovadno pereshagivat this point to know:
here - only death!
In short, the group scattered sniper fire, and concentrated fans - so we called it - blind enemy
command posts, and prevent the development of its success at the outset.
Our plan to succeed, as they say, in all respects. Since dawn, before the onset, the command
and observation posts enemy [103] zablesteli Eyepieces binoculars, flash badge and helmet
German officer looked at our side. But they failed to recognize that going on the background
haze into a brilliant target. In general, even before the attack, I spent two magazines, Nikolai
Kulikov - two, Viktor Medvedev - three, the rest did not yawn.
But the attack is still underway. Someone with a distant command post, which is not to reach our
bullets, drove the German soldiers to death. Our gunner, arrows, gunners cut off his path
departure, pinned to the ground. I even thought that they were only waiting for the moment to
raise his hands. And then pulled me to distinguish features in the capture of prisoners. «Devil» -
this is the same military ardor, which sometimes overshadows the mind ...
I jumped out of his foxhole, he gave the yellow rocket - its tone: «to move deeper into the fire» -
and run to where it seemed, waiting for us to surrender as prisoners, German soldiers. Begu,
your hands in the air, saying, Behold, I come to me with his hands up! Indeed, raise a few
Germans. At this point zarychal «ass» - German shestistvolny mortar. On their own, bastards
gave salvo shestipudovymi fragmentation mines. One of these «CID» flying straight at me. I saw
it turn in the air. Who would have thought that the German minometchiki be beat for its infantry!
And I do not even want pripadat to the ground, so as not to let themselves in front of the
Germans. Mine has fallen from me in thirty meters, jumped - and an explosion! As a person
hlestnul hot with shrapnel fire, air - and once your eyes prilipla thick, sticky darkness. Prilipla -
with prickly pain in the cornea, with a lamp cord burns to the neck, and nausea, too sticky, and
persistent.
... A week ago, after the end of pain in the back, doctors removed the bandage from my eyes,
but useless: darkness thicken even more. What kind of insult. After all, doctors want to please
me: the streets of the village of Brela, thousands, tens of thousands of captured Germans. The
outcome of the Battle of Stalingrad! I cried and laughed. Cry from what could not escape from
the viscous darkness, and laughed from the wonderful sounds, to reach my ears from all over
the village from different chambers of the windows.
- Look, look, at the foot of the straw boots ...
- And what does that on its head?? Ha, ha! Leggings!
- Well, voyaki ...But I mostly mixed rooster in the yard of the village last. It seems he was sitting
at the gate and every »convoy met plangent« Ku-square-ku-u-u! », Clapped their wings, like
saluted, then almost humanly nicker. It was already day, but it does not subside, the crow, the
nicker. This is not to see in a circus!
I never give up blindness: a rooster, even helped me to see than the Stalingrad Battle!
It took another week.
February 10, 1943, before twilight, the doctors once again decided to remove the bandage from
my eyes. Sister slowly unwind bandage. For the spiral coil, coil for coil. No longer tampons.
Eyelids were closed. I was afraid - suddenly again the same as a week ago ...
Raise their hands over their heads. So the doctor ordered. I feel that on the back of large drops
of sweat roll. It is from fear. Coward, timid in front of their own destiny ...
- Open your eyes. Well! - Asked the doctor.
Finished his command, and do not believe me: the distance from the window, he saw the
silhouette of man! My joy was not the limit: blindness receded! [104]
But the vision has not yet returned.
- We need a serious treatment - said the doctor.
A day later, I was already in the Middle Akhtuba, where the health department of the army. There
I was discharged in the direction of Moscow, the army chief oculist.
The same day I visited the headquarters of his division, which learned that the order of the
Commander of 62 th Army VI Chuikov is my officer rank - «sublieutenant».
... I go without a leader, but often stumble highly bridle legs: poor vision, all roads seem to be
uneven. You should immediately go to Moscow to be treated. Before leaving I was invited to
Politotdieł army. Assistant Chief of Political комсомолу Major General Leonid Nikolayev,
knowing that I have not see it, decided to be my conduit to Saratov.
Captured «Mercedes» taschil us on snow-covered, broken roads in the Saratov, nadryvno

zavyvaya engine, but the tenacity to conquer the Russian land and could not. We gave him a
collective farm, and carried in the sled. Leonid Pavlovich, Komsomolsky resilient leader of 62 th
Army, all the way to distract me from sad thoughts song «spinning, vertical blue ball». He
changed it on the mood in several ways: one about Hitler, the other - about Goebbels and so on.
Leonid sang about them then with ironic compassion, then wipe with zloyu, the hilarious-comic,
so it was difficult to restrain myself from laughing and not podpet him.
In Saratov Nicolaev installed in my car officer Moscow train. For window мелькали village,
villages, townships station, but in my eyes all merge into a continuous strip of gray. Passengers -
military people - out loud to think about the outcome of the Battle of Stalingrad, suggested the
course of further developments, and I bore a message: do not recover vision?
In Moscow, the clinic Narkomata Defense vodili me long for a variety of rooms. Finally, the chief
optometrist said inspires the words:
- Even a little lie down, and sight restored.

Indeed, the vision will soon become normal.
The day before the holiday - the Day of the Red Army - my clothing bags behind him, in the
battered coat, the type of all kinds, came to the Hotel Central House of the Red Army. Stalingrad
documents sprawling signature VI Chuikov helped me relatively easy to obtain an officer's berth
in a dormitory.
Morning, including radio, we have to listen to the latest news. Then the announcer started to read
the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR to the rank of Hero of the
Soviet Union. Promelknula my name. I ignored: There is light at Zaitsev.
In addition, some of the neighbors jokingly said:
- I hope that this decree does not apply to the present, otherwise will have to wrest the pockets
on obmyv!
In my pockets really were пустовато, not wrest wrest, nothing but the officer certificate not find.
The money for this certificate, I could get only after the financial books under the posts. And
what I post, I do not know. Unfortunately, I was - at himself, at the clerk, at nachfina Division: Is it
possible to send to Moscow without money and with the non-papers? Tomorrow I will ask the
same back in his army. Visited Komsomolskoye Chief Politupravleniya, to see Ivan Maksimovich
[105] Vidyukovym as chastised me, Major Nikolayev and Makhno back to their odnopolchanam.
He came to pass Politupravleniya. Finger's breadth protisnulsya to the window and call,
transferring a license, asked to deliver a pass in Komsomolsky department.
- Obozhdite, you will cause - said to me on duty.
It took twenty minutes. From the windows put out the head of the sergeant. It is long, with a
special curiosity examined before him captains, majors, lieutenant. Finally, not having found
among them who need it, he shouted:
- Is there a second lieutenant Vasily Zaitsev Grigorevich?
What he said to another, I have not heard, but the room was quiet, all turned in my direction. At
this point, ran aglow brought a girl from Komsomolsk department.
- Vasily Grigorievich! - Called it kinuvshis me. - I'm Vidyukova, my name is Nonnoy ... came to
congratulate you.
- What? - I asked, shy of its kind. Clothes for me was the front.
- You do not know how? Today, you awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union! Oh, how nice, I
first congratulate you!
She embraced me, kissed. Then a whisper said happily:
- Remember: kiss my happy now you no do not touch the bullet, not a single fragment will not be
affected.
Brigadier Ivan Maximovich Vidyukov Commissioner, who visited with me at the firing positions in
Stalingrad, I just met, to fraternize:
- Well, stick it, Basil! Now you will begin to attack our Komsomol workers, then the corresponding
...
And he was not mistaken. I probably hackneyed to, for various meetings and conferences, if not
followed by a call from the General Staff of the General Schadenko: Second Lieutenant
Zaytseva prepared to report on the experiences of a group of tactics Stalingrad snipers.
Where to make such report and to whom - to me, no one could tell.
No sooner was I, that is, raskinut brains and deploy their notebooks as me in the hotel room had
a girl.
- You - Zaicev?
- I think - I answered.
- Why think? - She was surprised.
And me and indeed still thought that I - this is not me ...
- You have to invite me to a party? - Instead of a reply I asked the girl.
- Do not guess. You invite Professor Mintz, of the Institute for the Study of the experience of the
Great Patriotic War.
At first I thought: this is and was a call from the General Staff - I would listen to Professor Mintz.
But what I was rapporteur to the professor? And now coming to the institute, I asked the girl:
- Your professor is wrong, because I am only a soldier?
- Former - corrected it, and pomolchav, recalled: - Besides - Stalingrad ...
Upon entering the facility director of the Institute, I am prepared to make two or three combatant
steps, his hands pulled at the seams, and to report on all rules in the military: «If you call, fellow
professor, this is arrived ...»
But in the office were two men. One - weak, in pince-nez, the other - pogruznee, dark. Who
among them Professor Mintz - not written on their foreheads. They sat at a table pristavnogo,
drank tea, and [106] saw me, stood up. I stood in front of them on the rack «attention». From a
loss stiff language. Finally greeted. A man in pince-nez called me by name and patronymic,
invited to the table:
- We have tea in Moscow.
Next to the glass in the saucer - three pieces larrup sugar. I peresohlo in the throat, and I am not
looking forward to the new invitation, and began hurriedly sup mouthful of breath - afraid that it is
not able to wet his throat, as offered to start the report. Drink one glass, I poured another. Then it
became clear to me that they are not in a hurry. Pugh, a second cup of tea with sugar vprikusku.
As a matter of starting a conversation. Tea that ease the tension. Answer questions, talk about
their friend, not looking for a notebook, in which the abstract is only logged the first part of the
report. It takes an hour, the other. Wonder why so long to announce the beginning of the report.
Finally, my interlocutors have come to the conclusion that this is just a scientific value. I just do
not ahnul: what is the value, not a single argument of the notebook does not read!
How to understand my surprise, one of them - Peter Pospelov, editor of the newspaper
«Pravda», said:
- Very interesting. You will have to repeat this message again, do not be confused ...
The same evening, I was told that I was enrolled at the «Shot» (highest shooting rates
commanders), where he put on all kinds of officers scales. The next day, my financial affairs as
soon recovered: Officers received a salary for two months. Now we could, as they say, with
odekolonchikom shave and look to the theater, but out of my head are kept PN Pospelova
words: «You will have to repeat this message again».
And now the General Staff. Here I met with the famous snipers Vladimir Pchelintseva, Lyudmila
Pavlyuchenko and Gregory Gorelikov. We adopted a Colonel-General Schadenko.
Exchange of experiences sniper tactics began without preface. Conversation so that it is not
noticed when night fell. Only in the third hour, Lieutenant-General Morozov, who Schadenko
called «first sniper Russian army», tried to make a generalization. General Morozov liked my
examples from the experiences of a group out of snipers firing on the position, but he felt that my
proposals have not yet thought through everything, and it was decided to move the conversation
the next day.
It seemed to me strange that General Schadenko, which was every minute counts, agreed with
this proposal - to spend another half day to talk with snipers.
The next day Schadenko, summing up, said that we helped him find the exact wording of
paragraph thirty-ninth of the first infantry combat regulations that are interested in our opinions
the Supreme ...
- You can still have a rest, - he said - just not go.
In the dining room I found the General Staff, Ivan M. Vidyukov.
- There are combat missions, Vasily - smiling, "he said and explained: - Now go to voentorg. You
are preparing a new form. Do not get out of the shop until you get all of igolochki!
Head voentorgovskoy shop waiting for me. Less than two hours, as I have not learned
themselves: for me it was all new - tunic, trousers, chrome boots, overcoat.
- Sukontse, then you got [107] sploshnyakom general - viewing me in front of the mirror, let out a
master.
In fact, my pants were lampasami with the generals who had sporot.
Morning luxurious limousine «ZIS-101» rolled up to the hotel entrance. Pchelintsev, Gorelik and I
pomchalis toward the Kremlin. That's entrance Spassky tower. A few minutes later we found
ourselves in a spacious office. Along the walls of the right and left sitting generals. A long table
in the center was empty. We stopped before the ends of the table. We went Efremovich Kliment
Voroshilov. He greeted each by the hand and pointed to the chair near the table, and he sat
down at the end, next to us.
- For starters, friends, - he said, looking at the general Schadenko. He nodded Pchelintseva: say,
fire away.
Volodya Pchelintsev, people are not timid dozen, began to spread their ideas without trippingly
stumble. KE Voroshilov, listening to him, made some marks on the sheets of expanded its folder.
This was probably the last instance to report to Stalin proposals prepared on the basis of our
posts in the General Staff.
After Pchelintseva rose Gorelik, then there was my turn. My. Speech lasted, as it seemed to me,
three minutes. In fact, I talked much longer: happy hour watch, the more - minutes. Yes, I was
happy that my experience and my views on the actions of snipers in the defense will not be left
unattended, that they will report to Stalin himself. I am proud of the fact that soldiers and the
Supreme can understand each other ....
It has been a bit more time, and on my palm of the hands of Mikhail Ivanovich Kalinin bream
Gold Star of Hero of the Soviet Union.
- Congratulations!
- Serve the Soviet Union!
Some of the Friends helped me to attach to the chest and the star of the Order of Lenin. The first
minute I was afraid even to breathe. From the excitement in your ears buzz was that the echo of
Stalingrad battle - the great battle, where it was necessary to face death and to forget that for the
Volga is a land ...
I was not able to capture the verbatim speech of Mikhail Ivanovich, but I have a lifetime to
remember his parting words:
- To love their homeland and the heart of a true patriot to serve her, not knowing the fear in
battle.
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1. Childhood and Youth

1. Childhood and Youth

- No, I do not see it.

Here's just one day taiga life.

- The meat came on the scent. Afraid? - Said the brother.

This issue is acutely kolnul my pride.

- Come on, the hunter, it's time for breakfast.

- We must also look, how many of the wolves.

- Step on it quickly ...

- For example, say vlepil? Come on, let's see ...

- Well done, bro. This wolf is not leave.

- What would it mean? - I asked.

2. Frock under blouse

- Where is the sea? ..

- Razgovorchiki in line! - Interrupted my foreman.

- Good to have arrived there, salazhatki?

- Well done, kind, good to sailors.

- Otkoleva you know what we will be sailors?

- Otkoleva, otkoleva - peredraznil sailor. - Folding is responsible, so stupid. Well, nothing a

- And what is the lip?

- Who should have the honor to speak?

He led us to the bath and skomandoval:

- Undress before Maminov Lingerie ...

- A Come on, come on, buddy, помоемся together.

It happened this way.

But now it was not to memories - rather be on the front!

- Unload! - Rolled along teplushek.

But that was Stalingrad.

- What is it? - I asked.

Company commander, Senior Lieutenant General Vasily Bolsheshapov gave me binoculars. I

it stopped near zampolit Кряков.

Putting aside, vytiraya sweaty face handkerchiefs, company commander said:

- Is the army uniforms, you have not received?

- Sailors army uniforms were full, but not yet changed.

Finally Commissioner stryahnul ashes from a cigarette and asked:

And there, far away, blaze Stalingrad ...

Only frock remained under blouse.3. Crossing

Standing next to me noticed by the soldiers Pronischev Smeshko:

I am speechless. What was that?

- Why on twenty minutes before the general rise up out of bed?

- I have an upset stomach.

- In this case ... run in the latrine!

- I feel good, I ask to cancel such treatments.

Begu and the threshold to report:

- Comrade Lieutenant, Zaicev soldier arrives at your bidding.

The lieutenant looked at me long for its beautiful, kind eyes.

How it will be our first fight?

- That we have such an e, - said Ukrainian Ohrim Vasilchenko.

- What? - Vskinulsya foreman. Maybe the same surname?

- Only nema it a go at the company.

- How so? Where is he?

Three soldiers immediately rushed to search for Сашу.

- Comrade foreman - pleased exclaimed the sailor Misha Maasai - looking!

We ran Lebedev Jr..

Brothers kisses. Drognuvshim voice Ivan said:

- I embrace it for you really can not.

Alexander looked at his brother's hand shortened.

- Where are you?

- Tam - Ivan showed towards Stalingrad.

Ohrimu do not lie. It roll with side to side and growl:

Senior Lieutenant Bolsheshapov loudly tsyknul to Ohrima: