Years of service 1942-1943 Name Alexey Polosin Rank Junior sergeant Battles and wars World War II | Battles/wars World War II Service/branch Red Army Awards Allegiance Soviet Union | |
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Native name Алексей Иванович Полосин Died October 15, 1943, Ivankiv Raion, Ukraine Unit 3rd Guards Airborne Division | ||
Alexey Ivanovich Polosin (Russian: Алексей Иванович Полосин; 1924-15 October 1943) was a Red Army sergeant, who was posthumously a Hero of the Soviet Union. He was posthumously awarded the title for his actions in the Battle of the Dnieper. Polosin was reported to have killed three German officers during a reconnaissance mission and 26 soldiers while repulsing a German counterattack.
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Early life
Polosin was born in 1924 in Kazinka village, Sosnovsky District, Tambov Oblast to a peasant family. In 1932, the family moved to Vishnevka village in Morshansky District. After completing his education, Polosin became an accountant on the kolkhoz. He simultaneously worked as a freelance journalist for the regional newspaper. In April 1941, he was hired by the district printer. At the beginning of World War II, he was transferred to the editorial staff, working as a journalist.
World War II
In August 1942, Polosin was drafted. He graduated from the school of junior commanders. He fought as a squad leader in the 7th Company of the 2nd Guards Airborne Regiment of the 3rd Guards Airborne Division.
In September 1943, the division crossed the Desna River and advanced to the Dnieper. In the Battle of the Dnieper, the division fought hard to expand the bridgehead on the right bank near Stracholissja. On 2 October 1943, Polosin, as part of the reconnaissance platoon, was reported by his superiors to have broken into the German headquarters, killing a German major and two captains, and capturing documents. Polosin reportedly caused confusion among the German troops, allowing the advance of the division. During the German counterattack, he covered the battalion's flank and reportedly killed 26 German soldiers. On 15 October, he was killed in battle in the village of Medwin.
Polosin was posthumously awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin on 10 January 1944.