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Yury VotincevHero of Socialist Labor, Colonel General
Date of Birth: 23.10.1919
Country:  Uzbekistan |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Yuri Vsevolodovich Votintsev was born on October 23, 1919, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. His father, Vsevolod Dmitriyevich Votintsev, was a Cossack and the first head of the Turkestan Central Executive Committee. His mother, Anastasia Alexandrovna Votintseva (née Shcheglova), was a conservatory graduate.
Votintsev completed eight grades of school in 1936. At the age of 17, he enrolled in the 1st Leningrad Red Banner Artillery School. In 1938, he transferred to the Sumy Artillery School, which he graduated from with distinction in October. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned as platoon commander in the Tbilisi Mountain Artillery School.
Military Career
From 1940, Votintsev served as an Assistant Battery Commander and Artillery Fire Instructor. In July 1941, he requested a transfer to the front but was initially denied due to his unit's exceptional performance. In November 1942, he was finally assigned to the active army in the 295th Mortar Regiment.
World War II
In March 1943, Votintsev's regiment arrived at the Voronezh Front as part of the 6th Guards Army. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Kursk, where his mortar division helped repel German attacks and liberate key positions. For his actions, he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.
Votintsev continued to distinguish himself in the war, serving as Chief of Staff of the regiment and later as Deputy Commander of the 151st Guards Artillery Regiment. He was also appointed Chief of Staff of Artillery and then Commander of Artillery for the 90th Guards Rifle Division.
During the Vitebsk-Orsha and Polotsk operations in 1944, Votintsev's leadership proved invaluable. He played a key role in neutralizing German fortifications and enabling Soviet forces to liberate Vitebsk and Polotsk. For his contributions, he was awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky.
Post-War Career
After the war, Votintsev served as a teacher at the Penza Artillery and Mortar School and later as a student at the M.V. Frunze Military Academy. He graduated with honors in 1947 and was assigned to the 5th Army in the Far East.
Over the next decade, Votintsev held various command and staff positions. He served as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Tank Division, attended the General Staff Academy, and was appointed Deputy Commander for Combat Training of the 1st Special Purpose Anti-Aircraft Missile Army.
In 1959, Votintsev took command of the Turkestan Separate Air Defense Corps. He played a significant role in developing measures to protect the southern air borders of the Soviet Union. In 1963, the corps was expanded into the 12th Separate Air Defense Army.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1967, Votintsev became Commander of the Air and Space Defense Forces of the USSR. He held this position until his retirement in 1986. He worked as Chairman of the Veteran's Organization of the Oktyabrsky District of Moscow and was elected as a delegate to the 28th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1990.
Yuri Vsevolodovich Votintsev passed away in Moscow, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional military service and leadership. He was awarded the title Hero of Socialist Labor and received several high-level orders and medals for his contributions.
