Steel Soviet Union

The logical answer from Zhukov was not surprising to Stalin, who was familiar with his way of dealing with people. But even so, Stalin, who was already in a good mood, still showed a rare smile after hearing this.

"This incident has a very positive effect on the morale of our entire Red Army frontline troops and mobilizing the people's tenacious will. I have asked Beria to investigate this tank soldier major named Malashenko. His background and past The experience is completely in line with the political program of our Soviet Union. How do you plan to reward him for this action?”

Faced with this moderate problem that Stalin threw to him, Zhukov, who was in deep contemplation for a moment, raised his head and spoke firmly to Stalin before long.

"According to past experience, those who have made significant contributions to the motherland and the Red Army should be given high commendations. In this case, even promoting Malashenko to the position of colonel is not too much."

“But Malashenko was only a lieutenant just a few months ago, and he is also a bit too young. If he is promoted too quickly, I worry that young people may become complacent and impetuous. "

As his words faded, Zhukov once again thought carefully. After thinking about it for a long time, Zhukov made the final decision.

"With your permission, Comrade Stalin, I plan to promote Malashenko to the position of lieutenant colonel and award him with an Order of the Red Banner."

"I have had a face-to-face interview with Major Malashenko before. He is an outstanding young man with quick thinking and long-term vision. If he is properly trained, he will hopefully become a new star of the tank corps. I hope he can After practicing at the grassroots level for a long time, you can move to a higher position.”

Stalin, who was lightly holding the spoon in his hand and tasting the delicacies on the plate, did not comment on the award plan given by Zhukov.

A moment later, after finishing his meal, Stalin, who was satiated and gently wiping the food residue on his lips, finally spoke again.

"I basically agree with your award plan, but you can replace the Medal of the Red Banner with the Medal of Lenin. I think this is better. After all, it is unreasonable to issue two identical medals in a short period of time."

The gap between the Order of the Red Banner and the Order of Lenin is not just a superficial difference in rank and honor. The proposal from Stalin, the Supreme Leader of the Soviet Union, is almost equivalent to the fatherly comrade’s affirmation and appreciation of Malashenko. It is deeply Zhukov, who understood the meaning, was stunned for a moment and immediately responded to Stalin in the affirmative.

"Understood, Comrade Stalin, I will immediately start arranging this matter after returning to the front line."

After spending just a few minutes chatting about this small episode on the front that was trying to gain Stalin's face, Stalin, who had already finished his meal, did not stay any longer in the restaurant.

After ordering everyone present to have dinner with him and discuss the issues with him to leave, Stalin, who still had important things to discuss with Zhukov, immediately returned to the office in silence with Zhukov behind him.

As soon as he returned to his office and sat down at his desk, Stalin, who had always been quick and decisive, spoke calmly to Zhukov who was sitting on the sofa next to him.

"I intend to send you to Leningrad, Zhukov, to take over from Voroshilov and command all the fronts and the Baltic Fleet in the direction of Leningrad."

He originally thought that his return to Moscow was just a routine work report. He never expected that Stalin would assign him a new stage immediately after Yelniya. After being slightly surprised, Zhukov quickly returned to normal.

"I am willing to accept any task assigned to me by the motherland and the Supreme Command, and I have the determination and confidence to do my best to complete it."

As expected, Stalin was obviously very happy with Zhukov's firm and convincing answer.

"That's very good, Comrade Zhukov. But before setting off, there is only one thing you still need to pay attention to."

After finishing his sentence, Stalin pondered for a moment, and the expression on his entire face instantly solidified, as if he had thought of something very bad and troubling to him.

"The situation in the direction of Leningrad is very bad right now. The invaders' Army Group North has surrounded this birthplace of our Soviet communism on three sides. Currently, only the waterway traffic on Lake Ladoga can maintain communication with the outside world. connect."

"The German air force controlled the skies over almost the entire Leningrad theater, and even the skies over Lake Ladoga were not spared. The shore-based aviation units of the Baltic Fleet can only conduct limited sorties to ensure the existence of air supremacy in some important areas. You only have Leningrad was reached through the area controlled by the Luftwaffe."

After saying that, without waiting for Zhukov to answer, Stalin quickly wrote a few lines of orders in his own handwriting on the notepad in his hand. After tearing it off, he handed it to Zhukov beside him with one hand.

"When you get to Leningrad, give this to Comrade Voroshilov, and then you will be responsible for taking over everything there."

After taking the note from Stalin with both hands, Zhukov took a closer look and saw an order written by Stalin himself.

"Please transfer the front army and the Baltic Fleet to the command of Comrade Zhukov, and then fly back to Moscow immediately to report."

Then there is the authentic autograph of Stalin himself.

After putting away the leader's personal note, Stalin, who was worried, continued to add to Zhukov's words.

"As for your appointment order in the direction of Leningrad, the Supreme Command will wait until you officially arrive in Leningrad before issuing a message to the front headquarters. After all, the current situation is different from the past."

Zhukov, who had many old acquaintances in high-level positions in Moscow, had actually heard about the fact that the German intelligence agency teamed up with the intelligence agencies of the slave country Finland to eavesdrop and decipher the messages exchanged between front-line armies and the Supreme Command.

In this special situation where the highest order transmitted by telegraph may be deciphered and leaked by the enemy at any time, sending the appointment telegram to Leningrad before Zhukov set off actually pushed Zhukov into a pit of fire.

The German army's failure to decipher Zhukov's appointment schedule message will strengthen the air superiority blockade over Leningrad. The quality, quantity, and pilot quality of fighter aircraft are far inferior to the shore-based aviation of the Baltic Fleet of the Luftwaffe, and they are simply unable to protect the safety of Zhukov's plane.

The decision made by Stalin was actually the best way to protect his beloved general.