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Ivan TretyakSoviet military leader, army general. Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR (1986-1991),
Date of Birth: 20.02.1923
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Education
- Combat Experience in World War II
- Post-War Career
- Command of Military Districts
- High-Level Positions
- Retirement and Legacy
Early Life and Military Education
Ivan Moiseevich Tretyka was born on February 20, 1923, in the village of Malaya Popovka, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine, to a peasant family. After completing primary school, he pursued his education at the Poltava Agricultural Technical School. In 1939, amidst the events at Khalkhin Gol, he wrote to Soviet Defense Minister K.E. Voroshilov requesting to join a military academy despite his young age. His request was granted, and he enrolled as a cadet at the Astrakhan Infantry and Machine Gun School in November 1939.
Combat Experience in World War II
On the eve of World War II, Tretyka graduated from the Astrakhan school as a lieutenant. He was assigned to the 19th Infantry Brigade, which primarily consisted of academy cadets. As a young company commander, he experienced the horrors of defensive battles on the Western Front. He witnessed the retreat and often had to cover the brigade's withdrawal with his company, suffering heavy losses. Throughout 1941, he bore the responsibility for the lives of soldiers who were sometimes older than he was.
After a bullet wound in January 1942, Tretyka rejoined the 5th Army under General L.A. Govorov. He served as a deputy battalion commander in the renowned 29th Guards Rifle Division under General V.I. Polusuikhin. Over time, he rose to become commander of a rifle battalion and later deputy regiment commander. In August 1944, at the age of 22, he assumed command of the 87th Guards M.V. Frunze Rifle Regiment.
The division engaged in offensive operations near Minsk and Orsha. Tretyka sustained a second осколочное ранение and recovered in an army hospital. The 29th Division made every effort to ensure his return to the unit after his recovery, a wish that Tretyka himself shared. He rejoined his comrades and helped liberate Opochka, for which he received the title Hero of the Soviet Union.
In November 1944, Tretyka received a severe bullet wound and was sent to Moscow for treatment. Upon his recovery, he returned to his regiment and participated in the defeat of the German Kurland Group of Armies.
Post-War Career
After World War II, the 29th Yelnya Red Banner Order of Suvorov 2nd Class Rifle Division was redeployed to Estonia. In 1946, Tretyka went to Moscow and enrolled in the M.V. Frunze Military Academy. After graduating from the academy, he became deputy head of the combat training department of the 11th Guards Army. He requested a transfer to a command position and was appointed commander of the 75th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment of the 26th Guards East Siberian Order of the Red Banner, Order of Suvorov 2nd Class Motor Rifle Division. In 1956, he took command of the division and was promoted to the rank of major general.
Tretyka then pursued studies at the Military Academy of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces, graduating with honors. He was assigned as chief of staff of the 18th Combined Arms Army and later chief of staff of the 3rd Combined Arms Army in the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. Four years of service and intense training honed his leadership skills.
Command of Military Districts
In 1964, Tretyka took command of the 4th Combined Arms Army of the Transcaucasus Military District. He was soon promoted to lieutenant general. In 1967, he became commander of the troops of the Belarusian Military District, and in 1976, of the Far Eastern Military District. During his 16 years in these roles, he rose to the ranks of general colonel and general of the army. He later served for two years as commander-in-chief of the troops of the Far East.
Tretyka was elected a deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR four times. He actively supported his constituents, especially in developing the sports infrastructure in Belarus and the Far East. He played a significant role in the construction of sports facilities in Khabarovsk, earning him the title of Honorary Citizen of the city.
High-Level Positions
In 1982, Tretyka received the title of Hero of Socialist Labor. In 1986, he became chief inspector and deputy minister of defense of the USSR. He also served as commander-in-chief of the Air Defense Forces and deputy minister of defense of the USSR.
Retirement and Legacy
After 52 years of military service, Tretyka retired in November 1991. He currently works as a senior specialist for the joint-stock company "RUSS." General of the Army Ivan Moiseevich Tretyka is a highly decorated war hero and an esteemed general who played a significant role in the Soviet military. He has received numerous awards, including four Orders of Lenin, three Orders of the Red Banner, and three foreign orders. His passion for reading historical literature continues to shape his worldview.
