Home Discord Chat
Go Back   ChiefsPlanet > Nzoner's Game Room

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-02-2013, 02:24 AM  
ForeverChiefs58 ForeverChiefs58 is online now
MVP
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Casino cash: $3225326
Russian WWII vet recalls the Battle of Stalingrad

Thought this was pretty cool, so I'd share






MOSCOW (AP) — The Soviet soldiers used their own bodies as shields, covering women and children escaping on ferry boats from a Nazi bombardment that killed 40,000 civilians in a single day. It was the height of the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the bloodiest conflicts of World War II.

"They were all hit in the back," said 90-year-old Alexei Stefanov. "But they did not flee."

Stefanov is among the few surviving veterans of the battle, which claimed 2 million lives and raged for nearly 200 days before the Red Army turned back the Nazi forces, decisively changing the course of the war. Russia celebrates the 70th anniversary of that victory on Saturday, with President Vladimir Putin taking part in ceremonies in Volgograd, the current name of the city in southern Russia that stretches along the western bank of the Volga River.

Stefanov arrived in Stalingrad in August, 1942, just a month after the Nazis began their onslaught. A marine, he commanded what was left of a reconnaissance platoon, 17 scouts who had survived previous missions on the front lines.

The German army invaded the Soviet Union in June, 1941, and by the following summer had pushed deep inside the country. For Adolf Hitler, taking the city named after Soviet dictator Josef Stalin would be a symbolic victory, and it also would allow the Germans to cross the Volga and secure access to Russian oil supplies.

What Stefanov saw was a once-thriving industrial city being reduced to rubble by shelling and bombing by the Nazis and their Romanian, Italian, Hungarian and Spanish allies. Only about 100,000 residents had been evacuated, and the remaining civilians were frantically helping to dig trenches.

The Red Army had orders from Stalin not to retreat, so only women, children and wounded soldiers were allowed to take the crossing over the wide river to relative safety.

The day Stefanov remembers most vividly is Aug. 23, 1942, when hundreds of Nazi planes bombed the city, turning it into a giant burning ruin. Hundreds of Soviet soldiers with wounds bad enough to keep them out of the battle but not severe enough to incapacitate them set out to rescue women and children from the basements of demolished buildings. They rushed them to ferries that would take them across the Volga, a river about 2 kilometers (more than 1 mile) from shore to shore.

Fires from spilled oil and gasoline burned on the water, and the defenseless ferries were easy prey for the Nazi planes. The Soviet soldiers covered the children with their own bodies. Stefanov is still haunted by the sight of the soldiers who died, their backs ripped apart.

In the city, thousands of dead bodies were left unburied, lying amid the ruins in the sweltering August heat. For the only time during the Battle of Stalingrad, German tanks got to the river, and Soviet tanks and artillery fiercely fought them back.

"That was hell, literal hell," Stefanov said. "This one episode to me was equal to the whole war."

Stefanov recalls reconnaissance missions deep inside enemy territory, when he had to crawl for hours and hide in ravines to gather intelligence on the location and number of Nazi troops and weapons.

In September, 1942, Stefanov was hit in his left hand, a wound that still troubles him. He later returned to active service and was with Soviet troops when they drove the Germans out of Norway and marched into Warsaw and Berlin.

He was back in Moscow in late June, 1945, to participate in the Victory Parade on Red Square. Then he went on to China to help drive out the imperial Japanese.

Stefanov's contribution to the war effort won him dozens of medals. Although they weigh a combined 11 kilograms (24 pounds), he still wears them pinned to the front of his uniform on holidays and other special occasions.

His real reward at the end of the war was his marriage to Lyudmilla, also a decorated war veteran. They are still together 67 years later.

"War is not a game, it's the most horrible thing," said Stefanov, who heads a government-run organization of World War II veterans. "That's the thing youngsters should always know."


Soviet soldiers fire from a ruined building as they fight against Nazi troops in the city of Stalingrad (now Volgograd) Photo was taken on December 1, 1942 during the 200-day Battle of Stalingrad that turned the tide of World War Two.
Posts: 10,416
ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.ForeverChiefs58 has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 05:33 AM   #2
Cheater5 Cheater5 is offline
Veteran
 
Cheater5's Avatar
 

Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Folly Beach, SC
Casino cash: $5397550
Very cool. Spent a few weeks in the Ukraine back in 2001. Whenever a WWII vet walked in a restaurant or pub EVERYONE stood.
Posts: 3,062
Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.Cheater5 threw an interception on a screen pass.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 08:06 AM   #3
AussieChiefsFan AussieChiefsFan is offline
MVP
 

Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sydney, Australia
Casino cash: $6818501
Incredible.
Posts: 13,699
AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.AussieChiefsFan is obviously part of the inner Circle.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 09:03 AM   #4
Strongside Strongside is offline
Mahomes or GTFO
 
Strongside's Avatar
 

Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: KC
Casino cash: $6344282
Wow.
__________________
Posts: 13,178
Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.Strongside is obviously part of the inner Circle.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 09:12 AM   #5
candyman candyman is offline
Banned
 

Join Date: Dec 2012
Casino cash: $10004950
Very interesting thanks for sharing
Posts: 729
candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.candyman must have mowed badgirl's lawn.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 09:31 AM   #6
notorious notorious is offline
Supporter
 
notorious's Avatar
 

Join Date: May 2005
Location: Who knows?
Casino cash: $3235884
The battle that really changed the war.
Posts: 83,057
notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.notorious is obviously part of the inner Circle.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 10:13 AM   #7
TLO TLO is offline
Life is changing..
 
TLO's Avatar
 

Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: NW Missouri
Casino cash: $2224900
Very interesting stuff!
Posts: 38,690
TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.TLO is obviously part of the inner Circle.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 10:31 AM   #8
Easy 6 Easy 6 is offline
pie is never free
 
Easy 6's Avatar
 

Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: the drivers seat
Casino cash: $4037775
WWII would've dragged out a lot longer if those russkies hadnt been such tough bastards.
Posts: 91,380
Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 10:51 AM   #9
Aries Walker Aries Walker is offline
Back again, again.
 
Aries Walker's Avatar
 

Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: York, PA
Casino cash: $9583357
But not for him as others like him, every one of our lives would be very different today. My metaphorical hat is off to them all.

Also, 24 pounds of medals. Wow.
Posts: 8,179
Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.Aries Walker has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 10:57 AM   #10
Rausch Rausch is offline
Mindful Taoist German
 
Rausch's Avatar
 

Join Date: Aug 2000
Casino cash: $8251662
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheater5 View Post
Very cool. Spent a few weeks in the Ukraine back in 2001. Whenever a WWII vet walked in a restaurant or pub EVERYONE stood.
Those poor people got ****ed.

They (for good reason) hated the Nazis and went from that to Communist Russian rule (and for good reason hated that as well.)
__________________
Quote:
"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there."
Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).
Quote:
Originally Posted by rico
I wish I always ended up at gay bars.
Posts: 74,060
Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.Rausch is obviously part of the inner Circle.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 11:20 AM   #11
MOhillbilly MOhillbilly is offline
Mama Tried
 

Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Missouri
Casino cash: $9949903
Commies love them some bling.
__________________
True Son of Liberty
Posts: 23,371
MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 11:50 AM   #12
MOhillbilly MOhillbilly is offline
Mama Tried
 

Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Missouri
Casino cash: $9949903
Quote:
Originally Posted by scott free View Post
WWII would've dragged out a lot longer if those russkies hadnt been such tough bastards.
Truman woulda nuked Berlin and Tokyo
__________________
True Son of Liberty
Posts: 23,371
MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.MOhillbilly has an IQ even higher than Frankie's.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 11:54 AM   #13
'Hamas' Jenkins 'Hamas' Jenkins is offline
Now you've pissed me off!
 
'Hamas' Jenkins's Avatar
 

Join Date: Jan 2006
Casino cash: $8129572
Standard advice during the siege was that if you saw people in the streets who looked well fed get as far away from them as possible; they were cannibals.
__________________
"When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,786
'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.'Hamas' Jenkins is obviously part of the inner Circle.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 12:20 PM   #14
Papi Papi is offline
Veteran
 
Papi's Avatar
 

Join Date: Feb 2006
Casino cash: $5255522
Quote:
Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins View Post
Standard advice during the siege was that if you saw people in the streets who looked well fed get as far away from them as possible; they were cannibals.
You're thinking of Leningrad, which was pretty much surrounded by the Nazis. Just as awfuls as Stalingrad though.
Posts: 1,621
Papi is not part of the Right 53.Papi is not part of the Right 53.Papi is not part of the Right 53.Papi is not part of the Right 53.Papi is not part of the Right 53.Papi is not part of the Right 53.Papi is not part of the Right 53.Papi is not part of the Right 53.Papi is not part of the Right 53.Papi is not part of the Right 53.Papi is not part of the Right 53.
    Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2013, 12:21 PM   #15
Easy 6 Easy 6 is offline
pie is never free
 
Easy 6's Avatar
 

Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: the drivers seat
Casino cash: $4037775
Quote:
Originally Posted by MOhillbilly View Post
Truman woulda nuked Berlin and Tokyo
True that, cant believe i failed to factor in our ace in the hole.
Posts: 91,380
Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.Easy 6 is obviously part of the inner Circle.
    Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump




All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:30 AM.


This is a test for a client's site.
Fort Worth Texas Process Servers
Covering Arlington, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie and surrounding communities.
Tarrant County, Texas and Johnson County, Texas.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.