Zinovy Kolobanov Soviet tank ace Date of Birth: 25.12.1910 Country: Dive

1. Zinovy Grigoryevich Kolobanov: Soviet Tank Ace and Legend
2. Military Career
3. Winter War and Pre-War Years
4. Great Patriotic War and the Battle of Krasnogvardeysk
5. Battle of Voyskovitsy
6. Aftermath and Legacy

Zinovy Grigoryevich Kolobanov: Soviet Tank Ace and Legend

Zinovy Kolobanov was born in Arephnino, Vladimir Governorate, on December 25, 1910. Raised in poverty, he lost his father at the age of 10. Despite the hardship, he completed eight grades of education and enrolled in the Gorky Industrial Technical College.

Military Career

In 1932, Kolobanov entered the Red Army. He graduated with honors from the Frunze Orlov Armored School in 1936, earning the rank of Lieutenant and the opportunity to choose his service location. He became the tank commander of the Leningrad Military District's 2nd Tank Brigade and later attended the Command Training Courses.

Winter War and Pre-War Years

Days before the Winter War, Kolobanov was promoted to Tank Company Commander in the 1st Light Tank Brigade. Although unconfirmed, he is rumored to have received the Hero of the Soviet Union award for his role in breaking through the Mannerheim Line, with his rank advanced to Captain. However, official records only show that he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.

During the Winter War, Kolobanov miraculously survived three tank fires, returning to duty each time. In 1940, he was appointed Assistant Commander of the 52nd Tank Reserve Company and later promoted to Senior Lieutenant.

Great Patriotic War and the Battle of Krasnogvardeysk

With the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War in 1941, Kolobanov was deployed to the Northern Front. He commanded the heavy tank company of the 1st Tank Division. On August 19, 1941, Senior Lieutenant Kolobanov received orders to defend three roads leading to Krasnogvardeysk, a strategic hub.

Battle of Voyskovitsy

On August 20, 1941, German forces attempted to break through the Luga Highway. Kolobanov and his crew, in their KV-1 tank, dug in 300 meters from an intersection. With only a limited supply of armor-piercing rounds, they waited patiently.

Around noon, a column of 22 German tanks approached. Kolobanov's crew fired precisely, disabling the lead tanks and blocking the Germans' escape by targeting the rear. Despite coming under heavy fire, Kolobanov's KV-1 absorbed the German shells and continued to destroy the enemy tanks. In just 30 minutes, they had eliminated the entire column.

Aftermath and Legacy

Despite the documented results of the Battle of Voyskovitsy, Soviet authorities initially dismissed it as impossible. In the early 1980s, a monument was erected at the battle site. Kolobanov was awarded the rank of Captain in 1942.

After recovering from severe injuries sustained in September 1941, Kolobanov returned to service in 1945 and served until his discharge in 1958. He worked at a Minsk automobile factory, where he received the "Shock Worker of Communist Labor" award.

Zinovy Kolobanov passed away on August 8, 1994. Despite numerous attempts to posthumously award him the Hero of Russia title, his valor remains unrecognized at the highest level. However, he is remembered as a legendary tank commander whose incredible feat inspired the "Medal of Kolobanov" in the popular video game World of Tanks.