Yuriy Vicenovskiy Member of the underground Komsomol organization "Young Guard" Date of Birth: 23.02.1942

1. Early Life and Schooling
2. Youth and Activism
3. Joining the "Young Guard"
4. Underground Activities
5. Sabotage and Capture
6. Final Days and Execution
7. Martyrdom and Legacy

Early Life and Schooling

Yuri Semyonovich Vitzenovsky was born on February 23, 1924, in the city of Shakhty, Rostov Oblast, into a working-class family. In 1925, the family relocated to Krasnodon, where Yuri enrolled in the first grade of School No. 1 named after A.M. Gorky in 1931. Four years later, he transferred to School No. 4. Yuri excelled in his studies, earning high marks in all his subjects.

Youth and Activism

As a child, Yuri experienced hardship when his father passed away when he was nine years old. His mother, Maria Aleksandrovna, worked long hours as a teacher, leaving Yuri responsible for caring for his younger brother, Lena. Yuri actively participated in his school's literary circle and became a member of its editorial board. His favorite poet was Vladimir Mayakovsky, and he found inspiration in Nikolai Ostrovsky's novel "How the Steel Was Tempered."

Joining the "Young Guard"

In 1939, Yuri joined the Komsomol (Young Communist League). In February 1942, as the German army approached Krasnodon, he was appointed a pioneer counselor at School No. 5 named after S.M. Kirov. Yuri enthusiastically engaged with the youth, leading them in military drills and weapons training.

Underground Activities

After returning from an attempted evacuation, Yuri joined the underground Komsomol organization known as the "Young Guard." He remained a disciplined and dedicated member, contributing to its activities, including weapons acquisition and organizing the escape of prisoners of war.

Sabotage and Capture

On the orders of Nikolai Petrovich Barakov, Yuri successfully sabotaged the elevator shaft at Mine No. 1 "Sorokino," thwarting the Germans' efforts to utilize it. Despite evading arrest in early January 1943, Yuri was apprehended by the police on January 27.

Final Days and Execution

Before his execution, Yuri managed to convey a note to his family, hiding it in a thermos flask brought by his mother. In his final days, he remained defiant and optimistic, composing playful and patriotic notes that mocked his captors.

Martyrdom and Legacy

On January 31, 1943, Yuri Vitzenovsky was thrown into the pit of Mine No. 5 and killed. He is buried in a mass grave of heroes in the central square of Krasnodon. For his courage and sacrifice, Yuri Semyonovich Vitzenovsky was posthumously awarded the Medal "Partisan of the Patriotic War" 1st degree.