Mitrofan Zaikin Commander of the 143rd Rifle Division of the 47th Army of the 1st Belorussian Front, Major General, Hero of the Soviet Union Date of Birth: 19.11.1901

1. Early Life and Education
2. Involvement in the Civil War
3. Military Training and Career Advancement
4. Service in the Soviet War with Finland and World War II
5. Leadership in the 143rd Rifle Division
6. Later Military Operations and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Nikolai Mikhailovich Zaikin was born on November 19, 1901, in the village of Borki in the Lipetsk Oblast. Growing up in a peasant family, he received his primary education at the Borkovka Secondary School.

Involvement in the Civil War

In 1917, Zaikin joined the Lozovo-Pavlovsky Red Guard detachment. Upon its incorporation into the 6th Cavalry Regiment of the 6th Cavalry Division, he held various positions, including Assistant Platoon Commander, Platoon Commander, and Assistant Squadron Commander. He fought in the Southern Front during the Civil War, participating in the crossing of the Sivash and the Perekop-Chongar Operation of 1920.

Military Training and Career Advancement

After the Civil War, Zaikin completed a range of military training courses, culminating in his graduation from the Frunze Military Academy in 1936. He held various command positions, including Commander of a Platoon and a Machine Gun Squadron.

Service in the Soviet War with Finland and World War II

In 1939-1940, Zaikin served as Head of the Reconnaissance Department of the 51st Rifle Corps during the Soviet-Finnish War. In 1941, he became Head of the Reconnaissance Department of the 16th Army's headquarters, which was later incorporated into the Western Front. During World War II, he held various staff positions, including Chief of Staff of the 46th Rifle Division and the 73rd Rifle Division. He participated in the Smolensk Battle and the Battle of Moscow, earning the rank of Colonel in November 1941.

Leadership in the 143rd Rifle Division

In December 1943, Zaikin was appointed Commander of the 143rd Rifle Division of the 3rd Army, 1st Ukrainian Front. Under his leadership, the division played a pivotal role in halting a German tank division's advance on Kyiv and liberating the city of Korosten. For his skillful command, Zaikin was awarded two Orders of the Red Banner.

Later Military Operations and Legacy

In January 1944, Zaikin's division liberated the cities of Sarn and Kovel during the Rovno-Lutsk Operation. In the spring of the same year, it became part of the 47th Army of the 1st Belorussian Front, with which it fought until the end of the war.

Nikolai Mikhailovich Zaikin's military achievements earned him the Order of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of Suvorov, and the Hero of the Soviet Union award. He made significant contributions to the Soviet war effort, particularly in the planning and execution of major offensive operations during the Great Patriotic War.