Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Kolomna Diesel – Kolomensky – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
An information plaque honoring the Hero was unveiled on the building where Mikhail Konovalov lived (No. 13, located on Oksky Prospekt). The ceremony was attended by Konovalov's family, relatives, and friends, as well as representatives of the workforces of the enterprises where Mikhail Sergeyevich worked, including a delegation from the Kolomensky Plant.
Konovalov worked at our plant as a mechanic. He got the job right after graduating from school. He proved himself a responsible and competent specialist. In 1934, he was drafted into the Red Army. After serving his mandatory military service, he returned to the workforce at the Kolomensky plant.
In 1939, Konovalov was again called up to serve in the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army. From November 1941, Mikhail served on the front lines of the Great Patriotic War. He participated in battles at Stalingrad, the Kursk Bulge, and Belgorod, in Belarus. By June 1944, Guards Sergeant Mikhail Konovalov commanded a squad of the 158th Guards Rifle Regiment, 51st Guards Rifle Division, 6th Guards Army, 1st Baltic Front. He distinguished himself during the crossing of the Western Dvina.
On June 25, 1944, Konovalov was one of the first to cross the Western Dvina River near the village of Balbechye, Beshenkovichi District, Vitebsk Region, Byelorussian SSR. Upon reaching the left bank of the river, he was the first to break into enemy trenches, killing six Nazi soldiers. Eighteen more men crossed the river to Konovalov's aid. The enemy launched two counterattacks, but the brave soldiers repelled them, killing approximately 40 German soldiers and four machine guns. This enabled the division's two regiments to successfully cross the river.
Near Polotsk, Mikhail was wounded, treated in a medical battalion, and then again went west with his regiment.
By the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of July 22, 1944, for “exemplary performance of combat missions of the command on the front in the fight against the German invaders and the courage and heroism displayed in doing so,” Guards Sergeant Mikhail Konovalov was awarded the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union with the presentation of the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal, number 8625.
He was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree, and a number of medals.
On December 25, 1944, Guards Senior Sergeant Mikhail Konovalov was seriously wounded. Shrapnel from an exploding mine pierced his face, chest, arm, and leg. He spent nearly six months in hospitals and underwent several surgeries. But the doctors nursed the soldier back to health.
In 1945, M.S. Konovalov was demobilized from the Soviet Army due to poor health. He returned to Kolomna and underwent extensive treatment. From 1951 to 1971, he worked as a mechanic at a Kolomna enterprise.
Mikhail Semenovich died on January 17, 2002, and was buried in the Old City Cemetery of Kolomna.
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