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Fedor HarchenkoSniper, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 20.09.1923
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
Biography of Fyodor Kharchenko
Fedor Alexeevich Kharchenko was born on September 20, 1923, in the village of Malaya Belozyorka, now in the Vasilievsky district of the Zaporizhzhia region. He completed 5 grades of education and later worked as a carpenter at a shipbuilding plant in the city of Kotlas, Arkhangelsk Oblast.
In May 1942, Kharchenko joined the Red Army and became a political instructor in the 13th Rifle Regiment of the 2nd Rifle Division, 59th Army, Volkhov Front. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the best snipers on the front and was credited with eliminating approximately 100 enemy soldiers and officers.
On January 23, 1944, during a decisive battle near the village of Ossia, under the city of Novgorod, Kharchenko took command of his unit and led them in a successful attack. Sadly, he lost his life in the same battle.
For his bravery and military valor shown in combat against the enemy, Fyodor Kharchenko was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on May 6, 1965. He was also decorated with the Orders of Lenin and the Red Star, as well as several medals.
Kharchenko is buried in Novgorod near the Kremlin wall. In his honor, a ship of the Naval River Fleet was named after him, and a memorial plaque was installed at the Lemengs Ship Repair Plant in Arkhangelsk Oblast.
The Sniper Movement
During the war, the sniper movement played a significant role in boosting the morale and combat effectiveness of soldiers defending the front lines. Inspired by the success of sniper groups on the Leningrad Front, the military command decided to develop the sniper movement on the Volkhov Front.
In July 1942, a sniper rally was organized, and Fyodor Kharchenko was among the 130 participants. His exceptional skills and achievements as a sniper made him a well-known figure on the front. During the rally, he emphasized the importance of every soldier and commander becoming a sniper. He believed that by eliminating more enemy soldiers, they could liberate Leningrad and bring an end to the war sooner.
The rally had a positive impact, as it increased the combat readiness and motivation of the troops. The participants were honored with orders and medals, and the best snipers were given personalized rifles with optical sights.
The Battle for Ossia
On the morning of January 14, 1944, the forces of the Volkhov and Leningrad Fronts launched an offensive. The "Frontovaya Pravda" newspaper carried the headline "Destroy the Enemy with Merciless Fire, Give Them No Rest Day or Night!" The initial attacks saw significant success, especially on the left flank of the front, where General T.A. Sviklin's troops were operating.
During these days, Fyodor Kharchenko, the political instructor of a battalion, demonstrated exceptional heroism. He had already eliminated more than 300 enemy soldiers during defensive battles. Kharchenko's mastery of the Maxim machine gun and sniper rifle, along with his knowledge of enemy tactics, allowed him to outmaneuver and eliminate the enemy effectively.
On January 23, during a battle for the stronghold of Ossia, Kharchenko showed great leadership by leading an attack and inspiring his fellow soldiers. However, he was mortally wounded during the fighting. In his pocket, a letter was found, expressing his determination to continue fighting for his homeland and vowing to be a hero for the Soviet Union.
For his valor, Fyodor Kharchenko was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. His sacrifice and dedication to the cause of liberating his country from fascism will always be remembered.
