Ivan Vertelko Colonel General Date of Birth: 17.08.1926 Country: Russia

1. Childhood and Early Life
2. Military Career: World War II and Beyond
3. Tank Commander and Post-War Service
4. Military Academy and Command
5. Distinguished Service and Recognition
6. Border Troops and Afghanistan
7. Later Life and Legacy

Childhood and Early Life

Ivan Petrovich Vertelko, a decorated general in the Soviet armed forces, was born on August 17, 1926, in the village of Strigovo, Bryansk Oblast, Russia. His father, Pyotr Prokhorovich Vertelko, fought in World War I and the October Revolution, while his mother, Nina Nikiforovna Gubko, raised Ivan and his seven sisters.

Military Career: World War II and Beyond

In 1943, at the age of 17, Ivan was drafted into the military to fight in the Great Patriotic War. After basic training, he was assigned to the 75th Separate Motorcycle Reconnaissance Battalion, part of the renowned 29th Guards Краснознаменный, орденов Суворова и Кутузова Знаменского Tank Corps.

Vertelko's exceptional bravery earned him his first combat award, the Medal "For Courage," after the liberation of Minsk. He continued to distinguish himself, receiving numerous commendations for his actions during the liberation of Молодечно, Борисов, Minsk, Kaunas, and Vilnius.

Tank Commander and Post-War Service

In March 1945, Vertelko became a tank loader. He fought fiercely in the final battles of World War II, experiencing the perils of tank warfare firsthand. After the war, he attended the 2nd Kazan Heavy Tank School and later transferred to Ordzhonikidze to complete his training.

Vertelko rose through the ranks, receiving his lieutenant's commission in 1948. He commanded a company in Belarus and also secretly completed his secondary education in defiance of a ministerial order prohibiting officers from attending evening school.

Military Academy and Command

In 1963, Vertelko became deputy commander of a regiment and soon after took command of a tank regiment within the 120th Guards Motor Rifle Division. Overcoming obstacles such as an age requirement and a disciplinary issue, he earned admission to the prestigious Military Academy of the General Staff.

Distinguished Service and Recognition

Vertelko's military talentand dedication were recognized through numerous appointments and awards. As commander of the 3rd Guards Tank Division, he excelled at large-scale exercises, earning the rank of Major General in 1969.

He played a pivotal rolein the testing and acceptance of the new T-72 tank. His first-hand experience convinced him of its superiority, leading to the decisive approval of the tank for deployment.

Border Troops and Afghanistan

In 1972, Vertelko became first deputy commander of the 5th Guards Tank Army. However, he was soon transferred to the Border Troops in response to the dramatic events on the Damansky Island.

As a general in the Border Troops, Vertelko skillfully managed the initial stages of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. He faced immense challenges, including disease, combat, and diplomatic crises.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiringfrom the military, Vertelko remained active as a member of the Union of Writers of Russia. He published a memoir titled "Served the Soviet Union," which earned high praise for its strategic insights.

Ivan Petrovich Vertelko left behind a remarkable legacy as an outstanding military commander and a true patriot. His bravery, leadership, and dedication to his country continue to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens.