Nearly a year has passed since the farewell to Stalingrad. When he saw Malashenko again before the war, Zhukov was filled with emotions.
"In Moscow, people know your name. Comrade Stalin wrote a commentary and published it in Pravda, calling on all the Red Army tank crews to learn from Comrade Malashenko and fight the enemy to the end at all times. Now even seven or eight-year-olds
Children all know the story of tank hero General Malashenko, congratulations, Malashenko."
The serious expression on Zhukov's face did not seem to be lying at all. Malashenko, who was standing at attention and saluting, smiled and then put down his hands.
"Nothing else matters, Comrade Marshal. If more tank heroes can emerge from the motherland, I think we will be able to end this war as soon as possible and drive those evil Fascist scum back to their home base."
Sometimes there is no need to deliberately create a relaxed and pleasant conversation atmosphere. Seeing the smile on Malashenko's face, Zhukov couldn't help but smile too.
"The legend of a hero cannot be copied, but everyone can use heroes as role models and learn from them."
"We will end this war as soon as possible, Malashenko, take me to see your new troops."
Malashenko nodded with a smile.
"Of course, Comrade Marshal, please come with me."
Before coming to Stalin's 1st Guards Tank Division, Zhukov had already inspected several other main attack forces and implemented the deployment situation in front of the station. Malashenko's Stalin's 1st Guards Tank Division was the first one Zhukov visited during this inspection trip.
The last stop is of course the finale that Zhukov has been expecting the most.
Zhukov wanted to confirm with his own eyes whether Malashenko, who was besieged by three elite SS armored divisions after the Battle of Prokhorovka and was nearly wiped out, had the ability to defeat such an 80% force.
All the personnel were newly reorganized into the army and recruited again.
This is not only related to Zhukov's personal evaluation of Malashenko, but also to the success or failure of the entire battle. Stalin's 1st Guards Tank Division, which rushes to the front as a sharp knife, is responsible for tearing apart the enemy's heavy defense line.
If the fight fails, the subsequent problems that will follow will be quite difficult and troublesome.
The only people staying with Malashenko's division headquarters were the infantry regiment commanded by the newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Varosha and the heavy tank regiment commanded by Kulbalov.
The Second Regiment, the Third Regiment, and the newly formed Fourth Tank Regiment were not stationed together with the division headquarters, but they were not too far apart, and the straight-line distance was within an hour's drive.
It was Varosha's infantry regiment and Kulbalov's heavy tank regiment that were used for inspection by Zhukov. These are also the absolute number one main force in Malashenko's hands. Whether it is equipment or personnel training
, the quality level in terms of combat experience is the best in the entire division. It can be said that Malashenko’s arrangement was intentional.
"Let me introduce, Comrade Marshal. This is the latest batch of new heavy tanks received by our division. It is the masterpiece of Comrade Kotin, the outstanding heavy tank designer of the motherland. It is called the "Stalin 6" heavy tank, in the name of the leader.
The latest mass-produced model in the named series of heavy tanks."
Along with Malashenko's explanation, what appeared in front of Zhukov was a whole row of brand-new heavy tanks in a neat formation.
These new heavy tanks, fresh from the factory and without any battle scars, are all painted with snow-white winter camouflage paint. Against the surrounding snowy scenery, they look like hibernating winter behemoths waiting to be released from their cages.
Accompanied by Malashenko, Zhukov walked slowly forward, following the reporters who came to report from the front line and kept pressing the cameras in their hands to record this extremely precious and rare moment.
Standing half of their bodies outside the turret, the commander and loaders, with their heads held high, slowly moved the focus of their sights towards the direction of the division commander and comrade marshal, staring intently at all times, with an unquestionable expression on their faces.
They are resolute and courageous, and at the same time, like the steel behemoths beneath them, they are full of intimidation that can make the enemy tremble.
"Marshal, comrades are waiting for your lecture. Say something."
When they almost reached the front of the tank in the center of the single column, Malashenko, who estimated that the fire was almost done, took the initiative to speak and made a suggestion to Comrade Lao Zhu on the side.
Zhukov, who had been walking and inspecting the troops, also accepted Malashenko's suggestion and stopped. Then he turned around and shouted loudly to the troops in front of him that looked intimidating enough.
Open your mouth.
"Comrades, the tanks you are equipped with are the best new equipment of our motherland. The battle you are about to face is a battle of complete annihilation against the evil fascist enemies!"
"Your division commander, Major General Malashenko asked me to say something to you. What I want to say is that I have nothing extra to say to you! Unite in the next battle and let your fighting will and advancement
The edge is as sharp as the brand-new equipment that accompanies you!"
"Since those fascists want to fight a war of annihilation, well, we will give them a thorough war of annihilation! Complete your mission and fight for the motherland, for Stalin, and for victory!"
Zhukov's brief lecture drifted into the ears of everyone present in the biting cold wind. The accompanying reporters only regretted that they had one less hand and could not record faster. They were afraid that they would miss something and carry it with them.
The notepad is full of flying and flying handwriting.
The brief silence and Zhukov's echo did not last long, and what followed was a uniform response like a roaring mountain and a tsunami.
"For Motherland! For Stalin! For victory!"
"Ula—Ula—"
"U-la--"
Witnessing this spectacular scene before him, Zhukov felt a little more emotional and a little amazed. The answer sheet Malashenko handed him was far more outstanding than he expected, and he returned the favor to the soldiers.
Afterwards, Zhukov, who continued to accompany Malashenko, spoke quietly again.
"Well done! Malashenko. You have lived up to my expectations of you. My initial judgment of you two years ago remains correct to this day."
There are few things that are more joyful and exciting than being recognized, and this is no exception even for our Comrade Ma.
"I am extremely happy to be recognized by you, Comrade Marshal. But I hope you will save your recognition and praise for me until I conquer those fascists. I want to use practical actions to prove that I have not lived up to the