Vitold Gintovt
Date of Birth: 07.03.1922
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Content:
- Early Life and Military Service
- Combat Exploits
- Liberation of Eastern Europe and Capture of Berlin
- Post-War Life
- Awards and Family
- Legacy
Early Life and Military Service
Vitold Mikhailovich Gintov (March 7, 1922 - September 27, 1987) was a Soviet tank ace renowned for his extraordinary exploits during World War II. Born in the village of Slobodshchina, Minsk Oblast, Belarus, to a Belarusian family, Gintov received a basic education of seven grades and worked as a harvester operator before enlisting in the Red Army in 1940. After completing training at the Kotovsk regimental school, he joined the 200th Tank Brigade of the 1st Tank Army in December 1942.
Combat Exploits
Gintov's exceptional combat prowess manifested itself throughout his military service. Commanding a T-34 tank, he accounted for an astonishing 21 enemy tanks, including four formidable "Tiger" heavy tanks, along with four self-propelled guns, 27 cannons, 80 vehicles, and over a hundred enemy troops. In a single battle, he reportedly destroyed six tanks.
One of Gintov's most notable battles occurred near the village of Ryabinovka, where his tank engaged in a fierce three-hour combat against a superior number of enemy tanks and armored vehicles. Through skillful maneuvering, Gintov positioned his tank such that its frontal armor faced the enemy's fire, minimizing damage. After the battle, his T-34 bore witness to its resilience, having sustained 17 hits while its crew remained miraculously unharmed.
In another gripping encounter, during the defense of a hilltop while supporting embattled infantry, Gintov's tank's main gun malfunctioned after firing several rounds at approaching enemy tanks and infantry. Despite the overwhelming disadvantage of facing dozens of tanks, Gintov and his crew refused to surrender. As they attempted an "organized" withdrawal in reverse, their tank was struck by a shell that jammed the turret, followed by another that disabled the engine.
Stranded in the field, Gintov's tank became a target for enemy infantry, who demanded their surrender. The tank's gunner responded with a barrage of grenades. In retaliation, the Germans doused the tank in fuel and attempted to set it ablaze. But Gintov, with his indomitable spirit, frantically repaired the tank and managed to restart its engine. The T-34 then rammed and overturned a German tank, freeing itself from the fiery trap. However, a short distance later, another shell pierced the tank's rear armor, leaving Gintov as the sole surviving crew member. Despite his injuries, he managed to drive the damaged tank back to his own lines.
Gintov's reputation as a tank ace continued to grow during the Battle of Kursk. As part of a tank company assigned to defend the highway connecting Kursk and Belgorod, Gintov's crew played a pivotal role in repelling an attack by over 30 enemy tanks and self-propelled guns. By allowing the main attacking group to pass and then opening fire with multiple tanks, Gintov and his comrades forced the German "Tigers" and "Panthers" to expose their vulnerable side armor. In this battle, Gintov added four more tanks and an armored personnel carrier to his tally, earning him the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree.
Liberation of Eastern Europe and Capture of Berlin
As the war progressed, Gintov and his crew played a crucial role in the liberation of Eastern Europe. In Ukraine, they captured a railway station and disrupted supply lines, seizing an entire echelon loaded with enemy troops and vehicles. In Romania, they infiltrated a major railway and supply hub, holding it against fierce German counterattacks until reinforcements arrived. Gintov's tank was the first to reach the Romanian border on March 4, 1944, earning his unit the honorary title of "Gusyatinskaya."
In the final stages of the war, Gintov's tank brigade crossed the Spree River and entered the outskirts of Berlin. On April 24, 1944, he was recognized for his extraordinary valor and awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, along with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal.
Post-War Life
After the war, Gintov continued to serve in the Soviet Army until 1946. He then settled in Minsk, Belarus, where he worked as a foreman in the "Spetsстрой" construction company, earning recognition for his dedication to civilian life. In 1949, he graduated from the Minsk Automotive Technical College. Gintov passed away on September 27, 1987, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering bravery and sacrifice in defense of his homeland.
Awards and Family
Vitold Mikhailovich Gintov was decorated with numerous awards, including the prestigious "Golden Star" of the Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin. He was also awarded the Order of the October Revolution, two Orders of the Patriotic War, 1st degree, the Order of the Red Star, and the Order of Glory, 3rd degree.
Gintov was married and had two children. His daughter, Tamara, and son, Sergei, carried on his family's military tradition, with Tamara becoming a colonel in the Soviet Air Defense Forces and Sergei serving as a general in the Belarusian Army.
Legacy
Vitold Mikhailovich Gintov's name remains synonymous with legendary tank aces of World War II. His unparalleled courage, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination continue to inspire generations of military personnel and serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Soviet people in the face of adversity.