On this day in 1896, Soviet marshal Georgy Zhukov was born in Kaluga Oblast, Russia. Perhaps the greatest commander of WW2, Zhukov played a critical role in salvaging the critical situation in 1941. He was instrumental in the defense of Leningrad before moving to Moscow to stem the German advance and lead the counterattack in the winter of ‘41. In 1942-43 he was responsible for Operation Uranus that cut off the German 6th Army in Stalingrad, and led the defense of the Kursk Pocket. In ‘44 Zhukov led the massive Soviet Operation Bagration that destroyed the German Heeresgruppe Mitte and continued on in command of front through to the end of the war, which saw him become the first post-war Soviet commander in East Germany. As the most recognized Soviet soldier of World War II, Zhukovs post-war fall from grace was equally precipitous and it was not until the fall of the Soviet Union that he was awarded his reputation was restored. For more, read Robert Forczyks Georgy Zhukov”, Command 22.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 01:25:33 +0000
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