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Vasisliy GlazunovHero of the Soviet Union, Major General
Date of Birth: 01.01.1896
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Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- World War II
- Hero of the Soviet Union
- Second Hero of the Soviet Union and Post-War Career
- Awards and Honors
Early Life and Military Career
Vasili Afanasevich Glazunov was born on January 1, 1896, in the village of Varvarovka, now part of the Serdobsky District in the Penza Region. He joined the army in 1915 and fought in World War I as a junior sergeant. During the Russian Civil War, he commanded a platoon, company, and battalion.
World War II
Glazunov's service during World War II began in June 1941 as commander of the 3rd Airborne Corps on the Southern Front. He played a crucial role in the defense of Kyiv, halting the German advance and allowing civilians to evacuate.
From September 1941 to August 1943, Glazunov commanded the Airborne Forces. Later, he served as deputy commander and then commander (from November 1943) of the 4th Guards Rifle Corps on the 3rd Ukrainian Front. The corps distinguished itself by crossing the Dnieper River, participating in the Nikopol-Krivoy Rog Offensive, and liberating Odessa.
Hero of the Soviet Union
On March 19, 1944, Major General Glazunov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, along with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal, for his leadership and heroism.
In June 1944, the 4th Guards Rifle Corps was transferred to the 1st Belorussian Front, where it played a key role in crossing the Western Bug and Vistula rivers, participating in the Vistula-Oder Offensive, and storming Berlin.
Second Hero of the Soviet Union and Post-War Career
On April 6, 1945, Lieutenant General Glazunov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union a second time for his leadership and bravery.
After the war, he continued to command the corps until 1946, when he became an Inspector General of the Airborne Forces. He retired in 1954 and lived in Moscow until his death on June 27, 1967.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Glazunov received numerous awards, including:- 3 Orders of Lenin
- 3 Orders of the Red Banner
- Order of Suvorov, 2nd Class
- Order of Kutuzov, 2nd Class
- Order of the Red Star
- Medal "Golden Star" (Hero of the Soviet Union)
- Foreign awards
A bronze bust of Glazunov has been erected in the town of Kolyshle in the Penza region.
