In the forward command post of the Soviet 20th Tank Division, shrouded in the roar of artillery, Division Commander Chernyaev with a calm face was speaking calmly to his partner standing behind him.
"A long time has passed since we wiped out the white bandits and drove away the little bourgeoisie who invaded our homeland, Peter."
"How many of those old comrades who fought with us against the enemy back then are still alive today? You don't need me to tell you why."
"Each of us has lost too much in the past, Peter, but we have also learned and changed a lot after losing it. I don't want the tragedies that happened to our old comrades to happen to you and me again.
Repeatedly, what could be more tragic than a patriotic soldier with lofty beliefs who died in vain but did not receive any honor or redress?"
After finishing his sentence, he slowly turned his head with some unfinished thoughts. Chernyaev had already realized that what he had just said was absolutely 100% sincere and he had unwavering faith.
"If necessary, I will shoulder all the responsibilities, old friend. So this matter has nothing to do with you, Peter. As the highest military commander, I have the right and obligation to carry out the offensive operations orders issued by my superiors, nothing more.
"
After listening to the horrifying words from Chernyaev's mouth with an expression of disbelief and shock, I never thought that my seemingly calm old comrade-in-arms was hiding so deeply in his heart.
Petrov, who knew what Chernyaev's words just said were implying, immediately said continuously.
"It has been so long since that incident. Why are you still so brooding about it!? We are all glorious Red Army soldiers who follow the leadership of the great leader Comrade Stalin. We will sacrifice our lives for the Soviet Union at any time. You and I were once under the party's banner.
The oath you made! This is not a reason worth holding on to or even imprisoning yourself in the memories of the past. Wake up quickly! Chernyaev!"
Listening to Commissar Petrov's loud yelling and persuasion, Commander Chernyaev, who was about to speak after twisting his lips, did not say anything in the end. Only his eyes that still maintained an unswerving expression were looking at him.
This special moment now silently expresses the will in his heart.
As time passed by, but still did not wait for Commander Chernyev to change his order, knowing that his old comrade had personally imprisoned him in the unbearable memories of the past, Commissar Petrov was no longer there.
He couldn't bear it anymore, so he turned around without saying a word and walked quickly towards the telephone on the command table behind him that connected to the headquarters of the 9th Mechanized Army in the rear.
"What are you doing? Peter."
In response to the question coming from behind him, Commissar Petrov immediately blurted out as he strode forward without looking back.
"Since I, a little political commissar, can't stop you, I don't believe that Commander Rokossovsky can be as crazy as you! There must be a suitable person to stand up and stop your crazy behavior, Comrade Division Commander!"
Without waiting for Chernyaev, who was behind him, to reply again, he strode to the wired telephone on the table. Petrov, who had just put his hand on the phone, had not had time to lift it up.
, the sudden ringing of the phone interrupted Petrov's movements without warning.
"this...."
For a moment, he did not expect that the divisional headquarters phone would ring suddenly at this special moment. Petrov, who realized that the battle situation might have happened beyond his expectation, immediately turned his eyes to the man standing beside him.
As for Chernyaev, the latter, who was understanding, put aside the conflict just now for the time being and then nodded slowly.
After getting the confirmation from his old comrades, Commissar Petrov, who had basically guessed where the call came from, immediately picked up the microphone in his hand.
"Hey, 20th Tank Division Headquarters, please speak..."
About less than a minute later, the order from Major General Rokossovsky was confirmed through the field wired phone connected to the rear military headquarters. A relieved Petrov immediately
It was as if he had put down a big stone in his heart and calmly put the phone receiver back on top of the phone.
"Now there's no need for me to report to the higher ups. Someone will step forward to stop you, comrade division commander."
He blurted out in a slightly calm but disappointed tone. He had just received a call from Major General Rokossovsky, commander of the Soviet 9th Mechanized Corps, the superior of the 20th Tank Division, and he had already confirmed what his superior said.
Political Commissar Petrov, who had given the first step of instructions, then completely relayed what he had just heard on the microphone to Mr. Chernyayev.
"I just received a call from Army Commander General Rokossovsky, Comrade Division Commander. Not only has our offensive in the town of Brod suffered a setback, but the progress in several other directions from Lutsk to Dub is unfavorable.
The friendly forces that the Germans attacked in the Nuo area also suffered heavy losses due to the Germans' three-dimensional air-ground tactics, and had to withdraw from their starting positions and enter a defensive posture."
"Comrade Rokossovsky ordered our division to immediately pull back the scattered offensive troops and prepare for tactical defense to resist the German counterattack. Intelligence showed that the Germans almost invaded the entire south in order to win the battle from Lutsk to Brod.
The Fourth Air Force belonging to the Army Group has all been mobilized to the front line. Without air support and air superiority, we simply cannot withstand so many German aircraft!"
After hearing the order relayed by Petrov, he was unexpectedly not too surprised or puzzled. On the contrary, Chernaya was almost always conflicted in his heart to force himself to do something.
My husband also felt a sense of relief.
"Well, since this is an order from our superiors, we as subordinates should implement it. Inform Sergey and Mayakov, and immediately lead the remaining offensive troops to withdraw from the German position. We must
Before the German armored forces can completely separate and encircle them!"
The white deteriorating battlefield that lasted for most of the day under heavy artillery fire finally came to an end with the Soviet army's temporary retreat after exhausting its offensive power. However, it was obvious that it successfully withstood the Soviet army's first wave of offensive and defeated its opponent.
The German army, which had suffered heavy casualties, naturally refused to give up.
As the sun sets in the evening, an unstoppable counterattack storm is about to hit.