Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On November 16, the entire country honors the heroism of Major General Panfilov's division. Having sacrificed their lives for the defense of Moscow, these incredible men became a symbol of courage and a legend of the tragic events of the Great Patriotic War.
The names of the 28 Panfilov soldiers, posthumously awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, are etched in gold into the military history of our country. This title refers to the soldiers of the 316th Rifle Division, formed in the summer of 1941 in Alma-Ata and Frunze. The unit's uniqueness lay in its multinational composition—it included volunteers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and representatives of other peoples of the Soviet Union. The division was commanded by Major General Ivan Vasilyevich Panfilov, an experienced military leader and veteran of the Civil War. Under his leadership, a cohesive combat team was quickly formed, focusing on anti-tank training and operations in difficult conditions.
Not a step back
The division's baptism of fire occurred in October 1941 on the Volokolamsk front, taking up defensive positions along a 41-kilometer-long front. Our forces faced superior Wehrmacht forces—the 2nd Panzer Division and the 35th Infantry Division from the 4th Panzer Group. It was here that the events that made Panfilov's men famous throughout the USSR unfolded: the deadly battle on November 16, 1941, at the Dubosekovo siding. According to the official version, 28 soldiers of the 4th Company of the 1075th Rifle Regiment, under the command of Political Instructor Vasily Klochkov, held off the German tank advance for four hours, destroying 18 of the 50 enemy vehicles. The phrase journalists put into Klochkov's mouth became legendary: "Russia is vast, but there's nowhere to retreat—Moscow is behind us!"
Legend vs. Reality
Research has shown that the true story of the heroic deed was far more complex. As early as 1948, the military prosecutor's office established that the fourth company numbered up to 140 fighters at the time of the battle, and that at least 25 survived. The division's actual losses that day were approximately 100 killed. These figures do not diminish the heroism of our defenders, but they allow us to see real people and real events behind the heroic narrative.
The division's combat achievements were recognized unconditionally—on November 17, 1941, for its fortitude and courage, it received the honorary title of the 8th Guards Division. The following day, Major General Panfilov was killed defending the village of Gusenyovo—his name forever associated with the heroic deeds of his soldiers.
Truth above all
Today, the memory of Panfilov's men is honored in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and throughout the post-Soviet space. Streets have been named in their honor, monuments have been erected, and memorial complexes have been created.
The history of Panfilov's men is of particular value to modern scholarship. It teaches us to work with historical sources, to separate fact from fiction, while at the same time carefully maintaining respect for this great feat. At the State University of Management, studying such events helps develop critical thinking and an understanding of the complexity of historical processes, which is especially important for future managers.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 15, 2025.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.