Evgeniy Rudakov Soviet tankman, Hero of the Soviet Union Country: Finland

Biography of Evgeny Rudakov

Evgeny Mikhailovich Rudakov was a Soviet tank commander and Hero of the Soviet Union. He was born on May 20, 1907, in the village of Yartsevo. After losing his father at a young age, he helped his mother with household chores. Rudakov joined the Komsomol in 1920 and soon became the leader of the local Komsomol organization.

In 1923, he moved to Smolensk and worked as a builder while attending evening school. In 1929, Rudakov was sent to the Oryol Tank School on a Komsomol ticket. After graduating, he commanded a platoon, then a company, and finally a battalion. In 1939, he participated in the Polish campaign.

As the commander of the 394th Separate Tank Battalion of the 72nd Rifle Division, 15th Army, Rudakov played a crucial role in the Winter War. On February 25, 1940, his battalion launched an attack on the Finnish front line. Despite severe cold weather and heavy enemy fire, Rudakov made the decision to lead his tank directly into battle. He successfully destroyed enemy positions and provided cover for his infantry.

However, as the battle intensified, Rudakov's tank was hit and he sustained multiple injuries. Despite his wounds, he continued to fight until his tank was no longer operational. When his infantry units pushed the Finns back and secured the first line of defense, they discovered Rudakov's lifeless body. He had suffered twelve wounds, including seven fatal ones, but he fought until his last breath, ensuring victory.

On May 20, 1940, Evgeny Rudakov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. He was buried in the Lupikko quarry, three kilometers from the city of Pitkäranta in the Republic of Karelia.

To commemorate Rudakov's bravery, memorial plaques have been installed on the school buildings in the village of Rybki in the Safonovskiy District of the Smolensk Region, as well as on the bread factory in the city of Yartsevo. He was also posthumously awarded the Gold Star Medal of the Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin.