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Alexandr BozhenkoSergeant Major, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 15.09.1915
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Service
- World War II Exploits
- Heroism at Fastov
- Liberation of Fastov
- Post-War Life
Early Life and Military Service
Alexander Gavrilovich Bozhenko, a senior sergeant and a Hero of the Soviet Union, was born on September 15, 1915, in the village of Novonikolayevka, present-day Shevchenkivsky district of Kharkiv Oblast. The son of a peasant, he completed seven years of school and worked at a metallurgical plant in the city of Cherdyn, Perm Oblast. Bozhenko joined the Red Army in 1937 and served until 1945.
World War II Exploits
From the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War to the victory over Germany, Bozhenko fought on the Southwestern, Stalingrad, Voronezh, and 1st Ukrainian fronts. He participated in the defensive battles in Ukraine, the Battle of Stalingrad, the Ostrogozhsk-Rossoshanskaya offensive, the Battle of Kursk, the liberation of Ukraine, Poland, and Czechoslovakia, and the defeat of the enemy in Germany. Bozhenko was wounded twice during the war.
Heroism at Fastov
On January 10, 1944, Bozhenko was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery and courage during the liberation of the city of Fastov. As a tank driver for the 344th Tank Battalion, he led the advance and captured a German convoy, seizing 15 food and equipment wagons, 70 horses, and 30 prisoners.
Liberation of Fastov
On November 6, 1943, the 1st Ukrainian Front liberated Kyiv and continued its pursuit towards Fastov. Bozhenko's T-34 tank was in the vanguard. He outmaneuvered the enemy and attacked a convoy from the flank, forcing the Germans to surrender.
The following day, Bozhenko's tank was met with heavy artillery and mortar fire as it approached Fastov. Despite the intense resistance, he led his tank through the city streets and cleared the center. In a daring maneuver, he disabled a heavy "Ferdinand" self-propelled gun and captured two anti-aircraft batteries, four searchlights, and 50 German artillerymen.
Post-War Life
After the war, Bozhenko graduated from the Saratov Tank School and served as a reserve lieutenant from 1945. He lived in Baku, Azerbaijan, and worked as a mill foreman. Bozhenko passed away on March 28, 1972, and was buried in Baku.
