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Vasiliy ZyulkovskyHero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 14.01.1913
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Vasilii Afanasyevich Zyul'kovskii was born into a peasant family in the village of Topale in the Odesa Oblast on January 14, 1913. He completed his seven-year education and attended military college. Before his military service, Zyul'kovskii worked as a tractor driver, a projectionist, and a cinema director. On the eve of the war, he headed the personnel department of a district executive committee.
Military Service
Zyul'kovskii served in the Soviet Army from 1936-1938 and 1940-1946. From the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War to Germany's defeat, he fought on the Southern, Southwestern, North Caucasus, Don, 2nd, and 3rd Ukrainian fronts. He participated in defensive battles near Odesa, in the Caucasus, in the Battle of Stalingrad, in the liberation of the Caucasus, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Yugoslavia, and in the defeat of the enemy in Austria. He was wounded eight times, three of which were severe.
Heroic Exploits
In November 1944, during the 3rd Ukrainian Front's operation to cross the Danube, Zyul'kovskii played a crucial role. On November 6th, he led a group of soldiers in a daring reconnaissance mission across the mighty river, facing heavy enemy fire. They encountered Nazi forces and engaged in a fierce battle, capturing a small foothold and holding it until the division's forward units arrived.
After returning to the eastern bank, Zyul'kovskii provided command with valuable reconnaissance results and recommendations for the division's crossing plan. He procured 7 barges, 3 boats, and 45 dinghies, which his sapper company used to transport two rifle regiments, an anti-tank battalion, and a regiment of guards' mortars across the Danube.
Bloody fighting ensued on the captured bridgehead. Zyul'kovskii's sappers worked tirelessly to maintain crossing equipment, despite enemy bombardments and air raids. From November 16th to 22nd, they transported troops to the western bank.
On November 12th, the battalion commander was killed and the divisional engineer was severely wounded during an enemy air raid. Zyul'kovskii assumed command of the sapper battalion and the duties of divisional engineer until November 19th. He ensured the smooth transfer of the 75th Rifle Corps across the Danube.
Post-War Life
After being demobilized due to health issues, Zyul'kovskii worked in the public catering sector in Sochi, Kotovo, and Balashov in the Saratov Oblast. He passed away on July 9, 1966, in Balashov.
Recognition and Awards
For his bravery and heroism, Vasilii Afanasyevich Zyul'kovskii was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union with the Order of Lenin and Gold Star Medal on March 24, 1945. He also received the Order of the Red Banner (1943), the Order of the Patriotic War 1st degree (1944), the Order of the Red Star (1943), the "For the Defense of Stalingrad" Medal, the "For the Defense of the Caucasus" Medal, the "For the Capture of Budapest" Medal, and two other medals.
