Enlists in GDS elite troops in 1938. |
1934-37 |
Working as a local mechanic and was well known for his
great mechanical abilities. Could fix anything with an engine. |
1938 |
Enlisted at the local Moscow enlistment office. After
basic training he was given extensive Tank Commander training. After many months he was
assigned to the Guards. |
1938 |
Practiced days on end with one of the
great Tank Commanders, Master Sargeant Evans. |
1939 |
Continued his practice and was promoted to the rank of
Master Sargeant and command of an old WWI tank. |
1940 |
Was assigned to a base along the western boarder of
Russia and was preparing for a war as Hitler's armies grew in strength. Gained command of
one of the first T-34s off the assembly line. Also worked as a mechanic working on T-34
engines. |