Mihail Yakovlev Participant in the battles at Khalkhin Gol, commander of the 11th Tank Brigade of the 57th Special Corps, Hero of the Soviet Union, brigade commander. Date of Birth: 18.11.1903 Country: Mongolia

1. Biography of Mikhail Yakovlev
2. Early Life and Military Career
3. Heroic Actions in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol
4. Posthumous Awards and Legacy

Biography of Mikhail Yakovlev

Mikhail Yakovlev was a participant in the battles of Khalkhin Gol, the commander of the 11th Tank Brigade of the 57th Special Corps, a Hero of the Soviet Union, and a Brigade Commander. He distinguished himself in the battle that took place from July 3rd to July 5th, 1939 against the superior forces of the Japanese army, who had captured the dominant height of Mount Bain-Tsagan and the surrounding areas, posing a threat to the main Soviet-Mongolian forces. Yakovlev lost his life in battle on July 12th, 1939.

Early Life and Military Career

At the age of 13, after completing the fourth grade of school, Mikhail Yakovlev began working as an apprentice foundry worker at a factory in Leningrad. In March 1921, he joined the Red Army and served in a machine gun training company. He participated with his fellow trainees in the elimination of Antonov gangs. Two months later, Yakovlev was sent to an infantry school, where he graduated with honors.

Following his graduation, Yakovlev rapidly advanced through the ranks, serving as a platoon commander, company commander, and battalion commander in the 32nd Regiment of the 11th Leningrad Rifle Division. From April 1931, he served as the commander of the training battalion in the 11th Alma-Ata Rifle Regiment. In 1935-1936, Yakovlev commanded a rifle-machine gun battalion in the 9th Separate Motorized Brigade.

After completing the Leningrad Armored Courses of Improvement named after A.S. Bubnov in 1937, Yakovlev was appointed as the commander of the 11th Tank Brigade in September 1938.

Heroic Actions in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol

Yakovlev participated in the battles against Japanese forces in Mongolia on the Khalkhin Gol River from May 11th, 1939. He showed exceptional bravery and leadership during the battle from July 3rd to July 5th, 1939, when he faced superior Japanese forces who had captured the dominant height of Mount Bain-Tsagan and the surrounding areas, posing a threat to the main Soviet-Mongolian forces. Yakovlev's actions played a crucial role in repelling the enemy and ensuring the safety of his forces.

Posthumous Awards and Legacy

For his skillful and courageous command of the tank brigade and personal heroism demonstrated in the Battle of Bain-Tsagan against the Japanese militarists, Mikhail Yakovlev was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on August 29th, 1939. He was also awarded the Medal "Golden Star" of the Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin.

In honor of Mikhail P. Yakovlev, a street in Chita was named after him. Additionally, the 11th Tank Brigade, which he commanded, was awarded the Order of Lenin and renamed after him. A memorial sign was erected at Yakovlev's burial site in the Old Chita Cemetery in 1999. In 2010, the memorial sign was relocated and installed on a building on Yakovlev Street. His name is also inscribed on the memorial for Transbaikalian warriors who died during the armed conflict at the Khalkhin Gol River, which was unveiled in September 2009.