Chapter 972 Strike While the Iron Is Hot (Revised)

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The headquarters of the Southwest Front is located near the edge of Stalingrad. It is not difficult for Iushkin and Malashenko, who have been fighting in this city for half a year, to find it. The crooked little Willys jeep quickly arrived at the designated destination.

"Welcome, Comrade Malashenko! Comrade Commander has specifically told me to come and pick you up. He is waiting for you to come over now. Come with me."

The treatment that the Chief of Staff of the Front Army rushed to the door to greet him was really unbearable for Malashenko. Fortunately, Malashenko soon met the real person he wanted to meet during his trip: Commander of the Front Army Vatu. Jing, this little incident was quickly brushed aside.

"Comrade Petrov has specially reported to the foreign exchange and told me the complete details of the entire process. Your brigade's performance in the entire strategic counteroffensive was outstanding. Malashenko, the front army headquarters highly recognizes your heroic performance and Decided to immediately apply to the Moscow High Command for an honorary award to you."

Seeing the chubby commander comrade Vatutin again, Malashenko always felt that this amiable-looking comrade commander was very close to him.

Maybe this is an illusion, but Malashenko is convinced that his performance is enough to win Vatutin's recognition, and Malashenko will not be hypocritical or pretentious about the honor he deserves.

"Thank you, Comrade Commander! All the Red Army commanders and soldiers have tried their best in this great defense battle. This is a common honor that belongs to the collective!"

Compared to Vatutin, who was dressed in formal clothes, Malashenko, who had never paid much attention to his appearance, was still wearing the standard two-piece suit of a ragged cotton-padded jacket and a tank soldier's combat uniform.

Although his whole body exudes a slovenly atmosphere, Vatutin does not care about these details. On the contrary, he believes that this is what a heroic frontline commander should wear, sitting in command with a dignified appearance. The ministry could not deal with Paulus' headquarters.

"Sit here, Malashenko, let's sit down and talk slowly. We both have a lot of time now."

"Yes, Comrade Commander."

The sofa in Vatutin's office is really clean. It looks like it is often cleaned and kept tidy.

Malashenko, who walked to the sofa and looked at how dirty he was, hesitated for a moment. After thinking about it, he finally sat down according to Vatutin's order, but only half of his butt sat on the sofa. Most of the rest was hanging in the air, and the small details really made Vatutin, who had just sat down next to Malashenko, laugh.

"That's just an ordinary sofa, which I reserved for our hero of the Red Army, Comrade Malashenko.

Vatutin did not clarify what he said on the spot, but looked at Malashenko with a smile full of hints. Malashenko, who almost had embarrassment written on his face, had to move his buttocks. He sat down on this well-kept sofa.

Both of them were seated, and the orderly brought two cups of tea. Malashenko, who was enjoying such high-level treatment for the first time, soon received Vatutin's slow opening.

"I saw in the report that the loss of technical equipment and casualties of your brigade are not large. Compared with the losses of other tank units that have been reported, your brigade's loss rate is the lowest. Of course, you are among them. The main factor, but I want to know if there are any other reasons, tactical or other aspects, Malashenko.”

Post-war summary is a compulsory course that must be done. Only by constantly summarizing deficiencies and improving them can we grow. This can range from one person to an entire army. This is why Vatutin is interested.

Vatutin's problem was not unexpected by Malashenko. At the same time, it was also a good opportunity that Malashenko considered, an excellent opportunity to achieve his long-term goals.

Malashenko, who barely thought about it, quickly answered.

"I think it's due to equipment factors, Comrade Commander."

"As you know, our 1st Guards Heavy Tank Brigade has a battalion of new heavy tanks that have just been upgraded. The new heavy tanks are named after the great leader Comrade Stalin."

"Through a series of actual combat performances, this new type of heavy tank has proven to be an extremely effective weapon and equipment."

"Its armor is thick enough to effectively withstand direct fire from German armor-piercing projectiles, and its maneuverability is better than KV1. Its firepower is enough to deal with the current German main tanks, although it is slightly less effective against the Germans' new Tiger heavy tanks. It’s not enough, but it can be upgraded through later improvements.”

"To put it accurately, this tank is actually a pretty good platform, that's how I sum it up."

"Since the Germans have begun to put the new Tiger heavy tanks into the front line, I think we should immediately start large-scale mass production of Stalin heavy tanks to continue to maintain the quality advantage of our Red Army tank force!"

"This year's battle will definitely be more brutal than the 1942 that just passed. The Germans will definitely continue to counterattack unwillingly. Although they have been wiped out a main group army, they still have strength. I think we should be fully prepared for this. Take advantage of the breathing space this victory brings, especially in terms of technical equipment.”

With his hand on his chin, Vatutin listened very seriously and nodded carefully. Just as he had heard earlier, Malashenko was able to make a clear analysis and judgment of the overall war situation based on his own front-line experience. This was precisely what was most valuable.

"Moscow has been paying attention to the actual combat performance of the new heavy tanks, and your brigade is currently the only unit equipped with this new heavy tank."

"Well, I think you should write a written report summary, Malashenko, using data and detailed battle examples to support your views and opinions. When you are finished, the front headquarters will submit this report, and I will attach my name to support you."

"In addition, you may not know that General Zhukov has already submitted a report to Moscow, just after your brigade wiped out a company of the German 502 Heavy Armored Battalion. He is now your biggest and strongest supporter."

Malashenko did not know that Comrade Zhukov had submitted a report again before him, but when he thought about Zhukov's clear support for him when he talked in the village before, he could strike while the iron was hot and quickly recommend a wave of killing the German's latest Tiger heavy tanks. It can only be said that Zhukov, who has a keen sense of smell, grasped the timing accurately and just right.

Just as Malashenko was recalling his previous memories, Vatutin took a sip of tea and suddenly changed the subject.

"By the way, Comrade Petrov also applied for a leave for you in the report he sent. I personally think there is no problem with this. It just so happens that your brigade also needs to rest and receive a batch of new equipment to form combat effectiveness. Do you plan to take a leave immediately or wait for a while?"