 |
Sergey SokolovSoviet military leader, Marshal of the Soviet Union.
Date of Birth: 18.06.1911
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Biography of Sergey Sokolov
- Early Military Career
- Leadership during the War
- Post-War Career
- Minister of Defense and Later Career
Biography of Sergey Sokolov
Sergey Sokolov was a Soviet military leader and Marshal of the Soviet Union. He was born on July 21, 1911, in the village of Safarovo, Russia. Sokolov began his career in the Soviet Army in 1932 after graduating from the Gorky Armored Academy.
Early Military Career
After completing his education, Sokolov served in the tanks troops in the Far East, where he commanded a platoon, company, and later a separate battalion. He distinguished himself during the Battle of Lake Khasan in 1938.
During the Great Patriotic War (World War II), Sokolov served as the chief of staff of a tank regiment and participated in battles on the Western Front. In October 1941, he became the senior assistant to the chief, and in April 1942, the head of the department of the Motorized and Armored Directorate. From June 1942 to March 1944, Sokolov served as the chief of staff of the Mechanized and Armored Forces of the Karelian Front.
Leadership during the War
From March to September 1944, Sokolov commanded the Mechanized and Armored Forces of the 32nd Army. He played a crucial role in the defense and liberation of the Soviet Arctic region, showcasing personal bravery and exceptional leadership skills in managing armored troops.
Post-War Career
After the war, Sokolov graduated from the Military Academy of the General Staff in 1947 and held various command and staff positions. He served as a commander of a tank regiment, chief of staff of a tank division, and commander of a mechanized division. In 1960, Sokolov became the chief of staff and the first deputy commander of the Moscow Military District, and later the first deputy commander and then the commander of the Leningrad Military District.
Minister of Defense and Later Career
In April 1967, Sokolov was appointed as the First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Soviet Union. From December 1984 to May 1987, he held the position of the Minister of Defense. In 1987, Sokolov became the Inspector General of the General Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defense. He also served as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR for multiple terms.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Sokolov became an advisor to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in September 1992. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and decorations, including the Order of Lenin, Order of the Red Banner, Order of the Red Star, Order of Zhukov, and the Order "For Service to the Homeland in the Armed Forces of the USSR" of the 3rd degree.
Sergey Sokolov passed away on May 31, 2012, leaving behind a legacy as a respected military leader and a decorated veteran.
