Maria Dumchenko Member of the underground organization 'Young Guard'. Date of Birth: 12.03.1902 Country: Ukraine

1. Maria Dymchenko: Biography of a Brave Communist
2. Tragic Loss and Continuing Activism
3. Active Participation in the Resistance
4. A Communist Spy
5. Posthumous Recognition

Maria Dymchenko: Biography of a Brave Communist

Maria Georgievna Dymchenko was born on March 12, 1902, in the city of Kadiivka (now Stakhanov), Voroshilovgrad Oblast, in a family of a paramedic. In 1930, she moved to the city of Krasnodon and worked in the public education system. After completing medical courses in 1938, she became the head of a paramedic point at a mine, and a year later, she was appointed as an inspector for the protection of maternity and childhood at the district health department. In April 1941, the primary party organization of the district executive committee accepted Maria G. Dymchenko as a candidate for membership in the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

Tragic Loss and Continuing Activism

Shortly before the war, Maria Georgievna's husband tragically died. Left with two underage sons, she continued to work and actively participate in the city's public life. She was elected as a deputy of the city council. In the spring of 1942, Maria G. Dymchenko agreed to stay in the enemy's rear to participate in the fight against the fascists. During the occupation of Krasnodon, she became a member of the Krasnodon underground party.

Active Participation in the Resistance

Maria Georgievna participated in communist meetings, which were held several times at her sister's apartment - Inna Georgievna. "I remember one meeting in October 1942," recalls Inna Georgievna. "We discussed preparations for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution. It was decided to raise flags at the K.E. Voroshilov School, distribute leaflets in the city and nearby mining settlements... At the second meeting in December... we discussed the delivery of weapons and the explosion of the directorate." Maria G. Dymchenko distributed leaflets in the settlements of the Krasnodon district, collected weapons and medical supplies, and conducted mass political work among the population, urging them to disrupt the activities of the occupational authorities in restoring mines, stocking up on food, and repairing bridges.

A Communist Spy

At the request of the underground organization, Maria Georgievna, as a communist, registered with the police. Regularly attending registration, she had to listen carefully and observe what was happening there, and report her observations to the leadership of the underground organization. On January 9, 1943, Maria G. Dymchenko was arrested and subjected to brutal torture. The day before her execution, on January 14, she managed to pass a note to freedom: "Dear sisters! There is no hope of returning home. We will be executed, and I'm worried about my children. Please take care of them as they will be left without a father and mother... Our people will return soon. We will fight until the end..." The courageous communist was buried in a mass grave of heroes in the central square of Krasnodon.

Posthumous Recognition

Maria Georgievna Dymchenko was posthumously awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class.