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Efim BukotkinSergeant Major, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 01.01.1909
Country:  Russia |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Yefim Yegorovich Bukotkin was born in 1909 in the village of Polukhino, Saratov Oblast, Russia. Prior to World War II, he worked as a veterinary assistant at the Rtishchevo railway junction.
Military Service
In February 1942, Bukotkin joined the Red Army and was assigned to the 931st Rifle Regiment of the 240th Rifle Division. He fought on the Bryansk, Voronezh, 1st Ukrainian, and 2nd Ukrainian fronts. During the war, he distinguished himself in the Ostrogozhsk-Rossosh, Voronezh-Kastornoye, Kursk, and Lvov-Sandomierz operations, as well as in the liberation of Ukraine, Romania, and Czechoslovakia. Bukotkin received the Orders of the Red Banner (1943), the Patriotic War, 2nd Class (1944), and the Glory, 3rd Class (1945), as well as the medal "For Courage" (1943).
Heroism and Death
On April 26, 1945, near the Czechoslovak town of Uherský Brod, Bukotkin's unit faced a counterattack by German forces. Bukotkin took the initiative to move his 45mm cannon into direct fire and destroyed enemy machine guns and 18 soldiers. Later, Bukotkin bravely fought off a counterattack by German troops accompanied by two tanks, disabling both tanks.
Despite being wounded, Bukotkin continued to lead his crew in a desperate defense of their cannon. When the Germans attacked again, with four dozen soldiers advancing from three sides, Bukotkin fought alone, first with his machine gun and then with grenades. Severely wounded and concussed, he lost consciousness. The Germans set his body on fire, but Bukotkin regained consciousness and threw a grenade into the enemy ranks before being killed.
Legacy
Bukotkin's heroism and sacrifice earned him the title of Hero of the Soviet Union posthumously on May 15, 1946. He was known as the "Volga Danko" by his comrades, who buried him with military honors in Uherský Brod. Bukotkin's legacy continues to be honored, and he is remembered as a symbol of courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
