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Ivan GerasimenkoSergeant, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 01.01.1913
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Content:
- Early Life and Family
- Pre-War Years
- Military Service
- World War II and the Heroic Feat
- Family During the War
- Awards and Legacy
Early Life and Family
Ivan Savvovich Gerasimenko was born in 1921 in the village of Znamenovka, Ukrainian SSR. His father, Savva Antonovich, was the chairman of the collective farm. Ivan had six siblings: two brothers and four sisters.
Pre-War Years
After completing six years of school, Ivan worked as a tractor driver in the local collective farm until 1936. He excelled in sports and received awards for his achievements in the Voroshilov Rifle Club and the GTO, GSO, and PVKhO training programs.
Military Service
In 1936, Ivan joined the Red Army and served in the Krasnoyarsk region. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant. After completing his military service, he was sent to Norilsk, where he met his future wife. He then worked as a bricklayer at the Kuznetsk Metallurgical Plant (KMC) for four years.
World War II and the Heroic Feat
In 1941, Ivan was mobilized and sent to the front lines of World War II. He was initially assigned as a squad leader in the 229th Rifle Regiment of the 285th Division (52nd Army, Volkhov Front).
On January 29, 1944, Ivan volunteered to lead a reconnaissance mission with 20 soldiers across the frozen Volkhov River to destroy German firing points. During a fierce battle, Ivan, along with Leontiy Cheremnov and Alexander Krasilov, sacrificed themselves to neutralize two enemy bunkers, allowing their comrades to retreat and regroup.
Family During the War
During the Nazi occupation of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ivan's father, brothers, and sisters joined the partisan movement. His father became the commander of the detachment. Ivan's mother and two sisters remained in the village, where Vasily, his brother, was captured and executed. Several other family members were also killed.
Awards and Legacy
For his extraordinary heroism, Ivan Gerasimenko was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on February 21, 1944. He also received the Order of Lenin posthumously. Ivan's legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens in Ukraine and Russia.
