Konstantin Gerchik facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Konstantin Vasilyevich Gerchik
Native name	Константин Васильевич Герчик
Born	September 27, 1918 Soroki, Slutsky Uyezd, Minsk Governorate, Russian SFSR
Died	24 June 2001(2001-06-24) (aged 82) Moscow, Russia
Allegiance	Soviet Union
Service/branch	Soviet Army
Years of service	1938–1979
Rank	Colonel-General
Battles/wars	World War II

Konstantin Vasilyevich Gerchik (Russian: Константин Васильевич Герчик, September 27, 1918 – June 24, 2001) was an important Russian military officer. He played a big role in the Soviet space program. He was a high-ranking officer, a Colonel-General, and a respected professor. He also fought bravely in World War II. From 1958 to 1961, he was the second head of the famous Baikonur Cosmodrome, a major space launch site.

Early Life and Military Career

Konstantin Gerchik was born on September 27, 1918. His birthplace was the village of Soroki, near Minsk. In 1938, he joined the Red Army. He then went to the 2nd Leningrad Artillery School and finished his studies there in 1940.

Gerchik fought in the Great Patriotic War (World War II) from its very first days. After the war ended, he continued his education. He attended the Artillery Academy named after F. E. Dzerzhinsky. After graduating, he taught military tactics at the same school.

Leading the Baikonur Cosmodrome

In 1957, Konstantin Gerchik became the chief of staff for the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This was a very important space launch site. On July 2, 1958, he was promoted to lead the entire cosmodrome. He became a Major general on May 8, 1960.

The Rocket Accident

On October 24, 1960, a terrible accident happened at Baikonur. It was known as the Nedelin catastrophe. General Gerchik was near the R-16 rocket when it exploded. His deputy, Alexander Mrykhin, was also there.

Many people died in this disaster, including Chief Marshal M. I. Nedelin. About 70 people lost their lives. General Gerchik was very lucky to survive. The large body of the rocket protected him from the direct flames. However, he still suffered severe burns as he ran away from the burning rocket. He was in a critical condition and needed a long time to recover in hospitals.

Later Career and Legacy

After recovering in 1961, General Gerchik took on new roles. He became the chief of the Central Command Post of the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN). He also served as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff for combat management. In 1963, he became the chief of staff of a missile army.

He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 1968. That same year, he completed advanced courses at the Military Academy of the General Staff. From 1972, he commanded the Smolensk missile army. In 1976, he reached the rank of Colonel General.

General Gerchik retired from the military in 1979. He then worked at several scientific institutes. These included institutions of the USSR Academy of Sciences. From 1991, he led the council for veterans of the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

In 1996, he received special thanks from the President of Russian Federation for his big contributions to Russian space exploration. Konstantin Gerchik passed away on June 24, 2001, in Moscow. He was buried at Troyekurovskoye Cemetery.

Awards and Recognition

Konstantin Gerchik received many awards for his bravery and service.

Soviet Union

Order of Lenin	Order of Lenin, awarded nine times. This is one of the highest awards in the Soviet Union.
Order of the October Revolution	Order of the October Revolution
Order of the Red Banner	Order of the Red Banner, awarded twice for military bravery.
Order of Kutuzov, 3rd class	Order of Kutuzov, 3rd class.
Order of the Patriotic War 1st class	Order of the Patriotic War 1st class, awarded three times for service during wartime.
Order of the Red Star	Order of the Red Star, awarded three times.
Order of the Red Banner of Labour	Order of the Red Banner of Labour
Medal of Zhukov	Medal of Zhukov
Medal "For Battle Merit"	Medal "For Battle Merit"
Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"	Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
Jubilee Medal "In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin"	Jubilee Medal "In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin"
Other medals.

Foreign

Order of the White Lion

Order of the White Lion, from Czechoslovakia.