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Efim BoychukSoviet military leader, Marshal of Artillery
Date of Birth: 24.12.1918
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Content:
Early Life and Education
Evgenij Vladimirovich Boychuk was born on December 24, 1918, in the village of Yukhimovtsy in present-day Ukraine. His father, a former army officer, instilled in him a love for military service. In 1937, Boychuk joined the Red Army and was sent to the Kiev Artillery School, later transferring to the Tomsk Artillery School, which he graduated from in 1939.
World War II
During World War II, Boychuk served on the front lines, starting as an artillery platoon commander and rising through the ranks to become the chief of staff of an artillery regiment. He fought with distinction on the North-Western, 2nd Belorussian, 2nd Ukrainian, and 3rd Baltic Fronts, participating in the liberation of Romania, Hungary, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. In 1945, he was deployed to the Far East and participated in the Soviet-Japanese War.
Post-War Career
After the war, Boychuk held various staff and command positions, including chief of staff of an artillery brigade, commander of an artillery regiment, and commander of a special-purpose missile brigade. In 1953, he graduated with honors from the F.E. Dzerzhinsky Military Academy and continued to rise through the ranks.
12th Main Directorate
In February 1974, Boychuk was appointed head of the 12th Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, a crucial department responsible for the development, production, storage, and delivery of nuclear weapons. Under his leadership, the directorate underwent significant reorganization, which greatly increased its operational capability and readiness.
Later Years and Legacy
Boychuk retired from active duty in 1985 and became a General Inspector of the Ministry of Defense. He passed away and was buried in Moscow's Troekurovskoye Cemetery. In 2008, a memorial plaque honoring his service was unveiled at the headquarters of the 12th Main Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry.
