Ivan Fesin Infantryman, division commander, major general, Hero of the Soviet Union. Date of Birth: . Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Career
2. Combat Experience
3. Later Career and Legacy

Infantryman, Division Commander, Major General, Hero of the Soviet Union

During the Great Patriotic War, Ivan Ivanovich Fesin fought on the Northwestern, Western, Voronezh, Stepnoy, Southwestern, and 3rd Ukrainian Fronts. He commanded a regiment, brigade, and division. On March 1, 1943, Fesin was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union. On November 1, 1943, he was awarded a second Medal "Gold Star" for new combat achievements. In November of that year, he was promoted to Major General. He was decorated with numerous orders and medals.

Early Life and Career

Ivan Ivanovich Fesin was born in a peasant family in the village of Muraylev, Rostov Region. He was a Russian and a member of the Communist Party since 1929. He joined the Soviet Army in 1926.

In 1930, Fesin graduated from the Vladikavkaz Infantry School and, in 1941, from the Frunze Military Academy. After the Great Patriotic War, General Fesin graduated from the General Staff Academy, defended a PhD dissertation, and continued to serve in the Soviet Army for several years, training and educating a new generation of officers. He retired from the army in 1965.

Combat Experience

Before the war, Fesin served in the 19th Rifle Division of the Leningrad Military District. In August 1941, he led his regiment into battle near Staraya Russa. The regiment fought well, repelling repeated German attacks.

In 1942, Fesin formed a motorized rifle brigade and led it into battle in the Battle of Stalingrad. The brigade played a key role in the liberation of Rostov-on-Don.

In January 1943, Fesin was promoted to Colonel and took command of the 20th Rifle Division. The division fought in the Battle of Kursk and the Battle of the Dnieper. In September 1943, Fesin's division crossed the Dnieper River and established a bridgehead on the right bank. For this feat, Fesin was awarded his second Gold Star Medal.

In November 1943, Fesin was promoted to Major General. He commanded the 24th Rifle Corps in the Battle of Kiev and the Battle of Berlin.

Later Career and Legacy

After the war, Fesin continued to serve in the Soviet Army. He held various positions, including Commander of the Transcaucasian Military District. He retired from the army in 1965.

Ivan Ivanovich Fesin was a highly decorated war hero. He was awarded numerous orders and medals, including two Gold Star Medals, the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner, the Order of Suvorov 2nd class, and the Order of Kutuzov 2nd class.

Fesin died in Moscow on May 16, 2000. He was buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery.

Fesin is remembered as one of the most distinguished Soviet military commanders of the Great Patriotic War. His courage, leadership, and tactical skills played a key role in the Soviet victory.