Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Great Patriotic War, which is of colossal importance for all residents of our country, was part of a global armed conflict – World War II. After the capitulation of Nazi Germany on May 8-9, the war continued, including for many Soviet soldiers, in Europe. And on August 8, 1945, in accordance with allied obligations, the Soviet Union declared war on the Japanese Empire.
The fighting began just after midnight on August 9 and included three military operations: the Manchurian Strategic Operation, the South Sakhalin Offensive Operation, and the Kuril Landing Operation. The overall command was exercised by Marshal of the Soviet Union Alexander Vasilevsky, who managed to defeat the million-strong Japanese Kwantung Army in just 24 days. As a result of the war in the Far East, Manchuria (Northeastern China), North Korea, South Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands were liberated. For their exploits and military distinctions during the war with Japan, more than 300,000 Soviet citizens were awarded orders and medals, including 100 people with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Future employees of our university also had the chance to take part in the war with Japan:
— Anatoly Bastrykin – Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs (1964-1967). During the war with Japan, he was a senior sergeant in the operations department of the 300th rifle division, and was wounded in Manchuria. He was awarded the medals "For Courage" and "For Victory over Japan";
— Aleksandr Elkin is an associate professor at the Department of Structures and Constructions. During the war with Japan, he served as the head of the military construction department of the 3rd engineer-sapper assault brigade of the 39th Army. He was awarded two Orders of the Red Star, the Orders of the Patriotic War of the 1st and 2nd degrees, the Order of the Red Banner, and the medals "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945", "For the Victory over Japan", "For the Capture of Koenigsberg", and "For the Defense of Moscow";
— Gennady Kokin is an associate professor of the Department of Public Relations and Advertising. During the war with Japan, he served in one of the aviation regiments of the Far Eastern Military District. He was awarded an order and many medals;
— Pavel Kolesnik – Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs (1966-1982), Head of the Department of Engineering and Technology of Automobile Transport (1982-1990), Honorary Worker of Higher Professional Education of the Russian Federation. During the war with Japan, he served as an assistant to the commander of a tank company and battalion. Cavalier of the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd degree, and the Order of the Red Star;
— Leonid Petrushenko – Head of the Philosophy Department (1975-1988). During the war with Japan, he was an aviation technician in the Pacific Fleet. He was awarded the medals “For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945” and “For the Victory over Japan”;
— Andrey Shary – head of the military department (1967-1977). During the war with Japan, he was the commander of the BM-13 Katyusha multiple launch rocket system division with the rank of Guards Major. Twice Knight of the Patriotic War, 2nd degree.
It turned out to be so unexpectedly big
The entry of the Soviet Union into the war accelerated the end of World War II. On September 2, 1945, Japan signed the Act of Surrender, and on September 3, according to the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Victory over Japan was declared.
For the first two years after the victory, September 3 was even a non-working day in the USSR, but then it gradually began to fade into the background, giving way to the main holiday marking the end of the war, May 9. In 2020, September 3 was added to the list of days of military glory in Russia as the Day of the End of World War II. And since 2023, the wording of the official name of the holiday has also included a mention of the victory over militaristic Japan, emphasizing the fact of victory over the political regime of Japan in those years and the absence of hostility towards the Japanese nation as a whole.
The Second World War lasted six years, 61 countries took part in it, 40 of which had military operations on their territory, it affected 80% of the world's population and took the lives of about 60-65 million people. The USSR and China suffered the greatest losses – 27 million and 15-20 million people, respectively. In memory of this tragedy and great feat, as a tribute to the victors, September 3 is celebrated in Russia as the Day of Military Glory.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09/03/2025
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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