Looking at the energetic young men in front of him, Rokossovsky nodded slightly and was quite satisfied, and then waved gently in return.
"Welcome, boys! Do you have any ideas about being ordered to go to the Smolensk front line to participate in the battle this time, Comrade Malashenko?"
"Uh... if you have an idea..."
After being asked like this by Rokossovsky, Malashenko suddenly felt something bad in his heart, but after thinking about it, he could not think of any place where he might show fear and dissatisfaction. I guess this is
Malashenko, who Rokossovsky was joking with, made up his mind and then spoke firmly again.
"Comrade Commander, I have no idea! The bounden duty of a soldier is to obey orders, and I am here to kill more Nazi invaders. Tank Major Malashenko is at your disposal at any time!"
After hearing these firm words that were both expected and high-spirited, he still couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. Rokossovsky, who had already organized the relevant words in his mind, continued to speak.
"It is really rare to have such a firm will and belief, Major Malashenko."
"This time it was my idea to transfer you to the Western Front to join the Battle of Smolensk. We need a more powerful tank unit to fight against those German armored divisions. To this end, I plan to set up a force directly under the command of the group army.
heavy armored force, but I couldn’t find a good solution to the problem of selecting a commander for a while.”
After stating his purpose and plan straight to the point to Malashenko in front of him, Rokossovsky paused for a moment. After always watching the expression on Malashenko's face and finding that there was nothing unusual, Rokossovsky continued.
.
"Those who are capable of taking on this important task have been placed in more important positions. Those who intend to compete for this position seem to me to be lacking in all aspects. After thinking about it, I finally thought of you, Malashin.
division."
"Uh... me?"
Seeing Malashenko's expression of disbelief and astonishment after hearing the news, Rokossovsky, who had expected everything, then smiled lightly.
"When it comes to commanding a tank unit to charge into battle with those German armored divisions, you are the most suitable candidate in my mind."
"In the battle from Lutsk to Brod, I saw the tactics and formations used by the armored company you commanded when attacking the German positions with telescopes from the rear. I have to say that as the commander of that attack,
You performed very well, Major Malashenko, and the defeat of the battle cannot be blamed on you, the field commander."
"In addition, you commanded half a battalion of infantry and four T34 tanks in a small village at the junction with the 131st Motorized Infantry Division, and almost annihilated an entire German mechanized battle group. I also received a report from Political Commissar Petrov.
.”
After speaking softly, Rokossovsky took out the small box that had been prepared for a long time from his right pocket, and took out the item. Rokossovsky took a step forward and put it on with his own hands.
It reached Malashenko's chest.
"Your courage, belief and outstanding command ability are worthy of recognition, Major Malashenko! You are well-deserved for this Order of the Red Banner!"
As the words in Rokossovsky's mouth gradually faded, he lowered his head and saw the Red Flag Medal embedded in his chest. Malashenko was shocked on the spot when he realized what this scene meant.
I feel unbelievable.
"Wait a minute, does this mean the medal that Rokossovsky personally awarded me just now? Damn it, why don't you have a camera or video camera on hand to record this historic scene!? What a big loss, you idiot!
"
With great excitement in his heart, he immediately raised his right arm again and gave Rokossovsky a solemn military salute in front of him after the medal was awarded. The enthusiastic Malashenko almost blinked and turned his head.
All the unhappiness that was held in my heart was forgotten.
"In addition, Major Malashenko. The specific arrangement for your transfer this time is to make you serve as the commander of the newly formed heavy tank breakthrough battalion under the group army. As just said, this is a force directly under the group army headquarters.
Separately command and deploy special forces."
After finishing his words, Rokossovsky, who did not report any further inquiries to Malashenko, immediately turned his head and signaled, and a tank captain who had been waiting aside for a long time took a step forward.
"Major Malashenko, let me introduce you. This is Captain Karamov. He and his field maintenance company are the most elite field maintenance troops in the entire Western Front."
"In many previous exercises on the Western Steppes, Captain Karamov and his men have always been the most outstanding performers in the entire front army. Just like your commanding art when commanding tanks, Major Malashenko, Karamov
Captain Mov is the most outstanding talent among our Red Army tank troops in terms of field maintenance and tank preparation."
After hearing Rokossovsky's brief introduction, he couldn't help but be slightly stunned. Malashenko, who almost instantly understood the specific intention of Rokossovsky's behavior, had not had time to speak. The man named Kara
But Mov's captain took the first step and raised his arm towards Malashenko in front of him.
"Hello, Major Malashenko. The No. 177 T34 tank under your command and your achievements have long been famous. It is my honor to work with a hero like you!"
Seeing the captain in front of him, whose face was full of admiration for him, raising his hands to salute him, Malashenko, who heard the adjective "the most elite" from Rokossovsky, couldn't help but feel the same
He paid respect to the young captain in front of him who was already over thirty years old.
"Thank you. Nice to meet you, Captain Karamov! I hope we can cooperate happily and seamlessly in future battles."
Seeing that the two people who had been entrusted with important tasks in front of him got along quite well after their first meeting, Rokossovsky was responsible for the important task of commander of the newly formed 16th Army and did not have much free time to continue chatting.
Then he spoke again.
"The independent 1st Heavy Tank Breakthrough Battalion is stationed on the outskirts of Yartevo. Some relevant equipment and personnel are already in place and waiting there. Captain Karamov will take you there to take over the relevant work. If you encounter any problems, you can
Report it directly to me, Comrade Malashenko."
Half an hour later, when Malashenko followed Karamov's direction, he arrived at the station where he took office and saw the "new vehicle" carefully prepared for him by Captain Karamov.
, that expression that almost dropped his chin to his feet was undoubtedly the most realistic portrayal of what Malashenko was thinking at this time.