Josef Bursik Major General of the Czechoslovak People's Army (1990). Date of Birth: 11.09.1911 Country: Czech

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. World War II and the Formation of the Czechoslovak Military
3. Heroic Actions in the Battle of Kiev
4. Recognition and Further Service
5. Political Imprisonment and Emigration
6. Exile in Britain
7. Rehabilitation and Legacy
8. Awards and Honors

Early Life and Military Career

Born on September 11, 1911, in Czechoslovakia, Iosif Buršík began his military career by emigrating to Poland in 1939 to join the Czechoslovak Legion in response to Hitler's invasion of his homeland.

World War II and the Formation of the Czechoslovak Military

With the outbreak of World War II, Buršík found himself on Soviet-occupied territory after the Polish retreat. He was briefly interned but eventually joined the 1st Czechoslovak Separate Battalion, formed under the command of Colonel Ludvík Svoboda in Buzuluk, Orenburg Oblast.

Heroic Actions in the Battle of Kiev

As commander of a tank company, Buršík played a crucial role in the fierce fighting for the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. On November 5, 1943, his T-34 tank, named "Žižka," along with other units, reached the Bolshevik factory. Despite facing heavy German resistance, Buršík and his comrades skillfully maneuvered their tanks, destroying an enemy battery and clearing the factory of German forces.

Recognition and Further Service

For his bravery and leadership, Buršík was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on December 21, 1943. He continued to fight alongside the Czechoslovak 1st Army Corps in subsequent operations, participating in the liberation of Slovakia and Moravia.

Political Imprisonment and Emigration

Following the war, Buršík was unjustly imprisoned for 10 years on political charges in 1949. While in prison, he contracted tuberculosis and escaped to the United Kingdom after receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

Exile in Britain

In the United Kingdom, Buršík received treatment for his illness and underwent two surgeries. He was granted British citizenship by Queen Elizabeth II but later declined it, earning him great respect from the British people.

Rehabilitation and Legacy

After the Velvet Revolution in 1990, Buršík was rehabilitated and promoted to the rank of Major General in the Czech People's Army. He passed away on June 30, 2002, in Northampton, England, where he was buried.

Awards and Honors

Buršík received numerous awards for his valor, including the Order of Lenin, the Order of Suvorov 3rd Class, the Order of the Red Star, and various Czechoslovakian decorations. He will be forever remembered as a courageous soldier and a symbol of the Czechoslovak resistance to Nazi Germany.