Although the 15th Tank Corps was completely destroyed because of the commander's unauthorized actions, their assault still successfully disrupted the unified command of the German army, leaving the three German divisions fighting independently. Rybalko
It was under such circumstances that, with tens of thousands of commanders and combatants, he successfully escaped from the German encirclement.
After learning that Rybalko successfully jumped out of the German encirclement, Zhukov, who was far away in Luhansk, finally breathed a sigh of relief. He said to Sokov: "Misha, fortunately, the plan you proposed is effective, let the tank army attack Varki
town, and drove the enemy's headquarters away from the town, causing the enemy to lose unified command for a long time."
"But, Comrade General." Sokov said with regret: "If the commander of the 15th Tank Corps can resolutely obey General Rybalko's order after completing his mission and mobilize his troops northward in time, then our army will succeed.
The chances of a breakout will be higher."
"It is already a great victory that tens of thousands of people can successfully break through." But Zhukov was obviously very satisfied with this situation. He said to Sokov: "If we don't take the initiative to attack Varki Town, I'm afraid we will hear this now.
What arrived was the news of the complete destruction of the Rybalko Tank Army."
"By the way, I heard that you were training new recruits in the city recently." Zhukov asked curiously: "How is it? Are you satisfied with the performance of the new recruits?"
"Yes, Comrade General." Regardless of whether he is in the city or outside the city, all the troops near Luhansk are under his jurisdiction. Naturally, Sokov cannot say bad things about them. He can only say idealistically: "The performance is very good, even if
Even if bullets fly over the soldiers' heads, they will not become panicked."
When Sokov said this, he did not tell Zhukov that he had some recruits hide in the trenches behind the target to experience the feeling of bullets flying over their heads. If the bullets flew over their heads, they would panic and jump.
If you get up and try to run, you risk being hit by a bullet.
"I have been staying here for a long time. It seems that even if the German army retakes Kharkov and Belgorod, I am afraid that they will not attack Lugansk in a short time." Zhukov said softly.
He sighed and said: "The plane to take me back to Moscow is about to arrive in the afternoon. I want to say goodbye to you first, so as not to leave in a hurry and miss you."
When he learned that Zhukov was about to leave, Sokov felt very disappointed. He said with regret: "Comrade General, this is such a pity. I have always wanted to fight the Germans under your command.
.But now it seems that my wish may not be realized."
"Don't worry, Misha." Zhukov waved his hand to Sokov and said: "According to my judgment, this war will last at least two years. Maybe one day I will be sent to the front line as a representative of the base camp.
At that time, I will have the opportunity to command you to fight."
In the afternoon, the plane from Moscow landed in an open space not far from the headquarters.
The general who came to greet Zhukov immediately raised his hand in salute after seeing Zhukov and said excitedly: "Comrade Zhukov, please accept my congratulations."
"Congratulations?" Zhukov looked at the other party and asked in confusion: "General Bedikov, I don't understand. Is there anything worthy of your congratulations to me?"
"Before I set off, I just heard the news. You have been officially promoted to the rank of marshal." General Bedikov said excitedly: "Marshal Zhukov, please allow me to congratulate you."
Zhukov was officially promoted to marshal. Although it was almost two months later than in real history, he became a marshal of the Soviet Union. After all, this was something worth celebrating. Sokov quickly ordered someone to bring a bottle of vodka and gave him
Every commander present came to celebrate Zhukov's promotion.
After Bedikov toasted Zhukov, he turned to Sokov, took out a document from his bag, handed it to Sokov, and said with a smile: "Major General Sokov, this is your promotion order.
At the same time, all the commanders and fighters of the former 41st Guards Division have been promoted to the first rank in recognition of your heroism and meritorious service in the battle to defend Stalingrad."
Sokov took the document from the opponent's hand and responded resoundingly according to the order: "Serve the Soviet Motherland!"
When they heard that Sokov was promoted to major general, the commanders and fighters in the headquarters cheered louder than when they just celebrated Zhukov's promotion to marshal. In any case, no matter how high Zhukov's military rank is, he has little to do with them, and Sokov
Kokov is different. He is the commander of the Guards Division. His promotion is not only his personal glory, but also the glory of the entire Guards Division. What's more, the superior's order also specifically emphasized that all members of the original 41st Guards Division
All commanders and fighters have been raised to one rank, which is exciting news.
"Comrade division commander, please accept my congratulations." Sidorin walked up to Sokov, stretched out his hand to him, and said sincerely: "Congratulations on becoming the first general in our Guards Division."
When Sokov heard what Sidorin said, he couldn't help but think of Colonel Ivanov, the deputy division commander who died not long ago. If he was still alive, he might also be a general. He held Sidorin's hand and said with a smile on his face.
Said: "Chief of Staff Sidorin, please accept my congratulations on your promotion to colonel."
After the two men let go of their hands, Sokov suddenly thought of a question and asked Bedikov: "Comrade General, I would like to ask, has my cluster chief of staff, Colonel Vitkov, also been promoted?"
"No." Bedikov seemed to be very familiar with the people around Sokov and replied without thinking: "Don't say that Colonel Vitkov didn't get promoted. Even your current partner, Colonel Bely, didn't get promoted either.
"When he saw Sokov opening his mouth as if he wanted to ask something, he quickly waved his hand and said first, "General Sokov, don't ask me about this. I am just a person who conveys orders. Who will be promoted is determined by
It was decided by the Supreme Command."
Vitkov, standing aside, felt a little disappointed when he learned that this promotion had nothing to do with him. However, he still reached out to Sokov and pretended to be generous: "Comrade Commander.
, please accept my congratulations. After you become a general, commanding the troops will become more legitimate."
"Comrade Marshal," Bedikov raised his hand, looked at his watch, and said to Zhukov respectfully: "It's getting late, we should set off."
Zhukov nodded, then walked up to Sokov, stretched out his hand to shake my hand, and said with a smile: "Misha, since you are already a general, you must perform well. I hope to hear from you soon.
New achievements have been made."
"Don't worry, Comrade Marshal." Sokov replied with a smile: "I won't let you down."