Chapter 749 The Name of the Hero

"Are you serious? Is this the Malashenko? I think he is more like someone who escaped from a prisoner-of-war camp. I don't mean to humiliate him, but he really looks like one."

"Shh! Shut up! Did the leader, Comrade Stalin, read your name? Do you really not know his story or are you looking for death here or just pretending to be stupid? Pravda has published dozens of issues of his photos. Don't tell me you haven't read any of them! People will think you are a traitor who was bribed by the Germans on the spot."

"Why are you so serious? I'm just talking casually"

"Oh, shut up! Immediately!"

""

Malashenko didn't hear these whispers from the corner, and neither did Chuikov.

Of course, even if Malashenko really heard it, he wouldn't blame the other party, let alone take the opportunity to make trouble to save face.

Because compared to these staff officers and officers who were at least dressed neatly and brightly, he looked like a beggar on the street in the 21st century, begging for food among white-collar workers. He knew how shabby he looked now, but he didn't care.

To be honest, Chuikov was also a little surprised when he saw Malashenko in front of him, looking so sloppy.

Chuikov always felt that with Malashenko's appearance, position and age, he should pay more attention to his personal image, at least he would not report to the army headquarters in this way.

But obviously, Chuikov misjudged the degree of Malashenko's "shamelessness".

If he hadn't listened to the advice of Political Commissar Petrov that day and changed into a long-unworn uniform to visit the wounded, Malashenko would have worn this combat uniform for almost two months without taking it off.

As for whether it has been washed or not, there is no need to ask. If you ask, it is not washed. If there is time to wash clothes, Malashenko would like to sleep a little longer. The German armor-piercing bullets will not go around you just because your clothes have no smell. There is no need to wash them at all.

In any case, Malashenko is a hero who led the 1st Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment of the Guards to defend the strategic throat of the railway station. The sloppy and careless thing was thrown into the trash can by Chuikov just a moment later.

"You did a good job, Malashenko. I will personally report the results of the 1st Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment of the Guards to the front headquarters and apply for commendation for you! This is the honor you have earned."

What surprised Chuikov a little was that Malashenko did not show too much joy for these words of encouragement and commendation, and it can even be said that he looked calm and unperturbed.

Before Chuikov had time to consider why Malashenko was so calm, Malashenko, who still did not change his expression at all, had already spoken first.

"Awards and honors belong to the fallen heroes, comrade commander. I lost a very important comrade at the train station. The five of us once made an agreement to live together to witness the day when the red flag of victory was planted on the evil heart of the Germans, but one person will never be able to witness the arrival of this day."

""

The sudden and unexpected words made Chuikov unsure of how to respond for a while. After a brief pause, Malashenko continued to speak and took out an envelope that looked heavy and contained a lot of things and handed it to Chuikov with both hands.

"He died to save me, but I didn't leave any of his belongings, not even his ID."

"I searched everywhere he might have left his belongings, and only found this pocket watch he always carried with him. Maybe he forgot to bring it that day, so I finally found it, but I think it must have a very special meaning to him and his family."

"I apply for a belated and deserved honor for him in my name. I hope you can accept this envelope, comrade commander, and then pass it on to his relatives along with everything he has won."

Chuikov didn't expect Malashenko to make such a request at this time.

But from Malashenko's eyes, Chuikov could indeed read unusual sadness, an expression that only comes out with tears when a loved one passes away, but Malashenko, who seems to have been forcing himself to suppress himself, did not show the latter.

Everything was carefully sealed in this small envelope by Malashenko. Chuikov only needed to open it to know what to do next. Of course, at this moment, Chuikov also thought it was very necessary for him to accept this envelope.

"I understand, Comrade Malashenko, I will hand this envelope to where it should go."

The envelope containing Nikolai's last story and relics has always been carried by Malashenko.

Malashenko originally wanted to find an opportunity to hand it to Zhukov in person.

But after witnessing a series of tragic battles and bloody strangulations, Malashenko was no longer sure whether he could live to see Zhukov again. Every minute and every second in Stalingrad, a hellish city of fighting, could lead to death, and Malashenko, who was a mortal body but a soul, was no exception.

While he is still alive, he should strive for everything that a common but extraordinary soldier who is loyal to his ideals and vows and willing to sacrifice his life for his comrades deserves, so that his name will not be completely obliterated and forgotten by future generations in this long river of history. This is the only thing that Malashenko can and must do personally.

The living inherit what the deceased have not completed and what they have to protect with their lives. The beauty of tomorrow requires tomorrow's victims and those who are still alive today to prepare for it.

"Malashenko, I plan to let your First Guards Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment participate in tomorrow's battle immediately. The attack position will be placed at the most important breakthrough point as a vanguard. The specific situation of the entire Mamayev Kurgan is as you can see on the map. I want to hear your opinion."

Malashenko had already guessed what Chuikov was going to do by transferring him to Mamayev Kurgan, and the enemy-us situation comparison chart on the table also came into view early and was analyzed in advance.

Unexpectedly, the answer given by Malashenko immediately afterwards was indeed unconventional.

"I don't have any complicated opinions, Comrade Commander. I think we will definitely win tomorrow and crush the group of Germans guarding the top of the mountain before the Germans from the surrounding blocks come to help. Then we can consider the specific matters of how to defend Mamayev Kurgan next."