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Stepan PetrenkoSniper, Hero of the Soviet Union.
Date of Birth: 23.06.1922
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Biography of Stepan Petrenko - Sniper, Hero of the Soviet Union
- Early Military Service
- Sniper Achievements
- Post-War Life
Biography of Stepan Petrenko - Sniper, Hero of the Soviet Union
Stepan Vasilyevich Petrenko was born on June 23, 1922, in the village of Zaderievka, now in the Repkinsky District of the Chernigov Region in Ukraine. He came from a peasant family and completed his secondary education. Petrenko worked as an accountant in a collective farm before joining the Red Army in 1941 at the age of 19 when the war broke out.
Early Military Service
From the early days of the fascist invasion, Stepan Petrenko served as a front-line soldier, participating in battles for Gatchina, Nevel, and Novosokolniki. He always led the way as a sniper, sometimes taking command of a company or replacing injured commanders. This was particularly evident in the Gatchina area, where Petrenko's company stormed enemy trenches and eliminated 23 German soldiers.
Sniper Achievements
In 1942, Petrenko graduated from the Rubtsovsk Military Infantry School. By mid-September 1944, he had become a sniper in the 59th Guards Rifle Regiment of the 21st Guards Rifle Division, serving in the 3rd Shock Army of the 2nd Baltic Front. During his service, Stepan Petrenko successfully eliminated 422 enemy soldiers and officers, including 12 snipers, 9 observers, and 42 machine gunners. On March 24, 1945, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his courage and military valor demonstrated in combat against the enemy.
Post-War Life
After the war, Stepan Vasilyevich continued his military service. In 1946, he graduated from the Moscow Military-Political School. From 1955, he served as a Senior Lieutenant in the reserve. Petrenko lived in his hometown and worked in a school. He was decorated with the Orders of Lenin, the Patriotic War 1st Class, and the Red Star, as well as various medals. Stepan Petrenko passed away on April 6, 1984.
