| Pressed into Red Army in 1939.
Volunteered for Guards when he discovered it paid more. |
1919 |
Born in southern Ohio to Russian immigrant. Said immigrant
came to America after the Bolshevik Revolution. |
1939 |
In June visited the Ukraine with father to visit grandparents
living near Kiev. War began in August,
but due to the fact that aforementioned grandfather was a lowly peasant living in the
boonies nothing was heard about the war. |
Nov.
1939 |
Arrived at railroad depot to begin return trip. Discovered
that Stalins war machine needed some substance. Was forced into the Red Army.
Opted to risk death in exchange for higher pay and joined the elite Guards regiment. |
| Dec. 1939
|
Began basic training. Had "excllent marching
form" (Colonel Volkovitz: commendation A23-C53654) and was sent to Moscow.
Joined Stalin's personal guard. |
| 1940 |
Met and got to know Fly Molo. Was friends with latter until
the infamous "Rifle Dropping of Fly Molo" Kept in touch with Molo after
his reassignment to Finland. Was shattered when he heard about the collision.
Felt a little better when he heard that the injuries were not as bad as was thought;
instead Molo was enjoying the company of Helga, one of the local
nurses. |
