Vasily Petrov (marshal) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vasiliy Ivanovich Petrov
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| Born | 15 January 1917 Chernolesskoye, Stavropol Governorate, Russian Empire |
| Died | 1 February 2014 (aged 97) Moscow, Russia |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  Soviet Union Russia |
| Service/ |
Red Army |
| Years of service | 1939–1986 |
| Rank |  Marshal of the Soviet Union |
| Commands held | Far East Military District Soviet Ground Forces |
| Battles/wars | World War II Ogaden War Angolan Civil War |
Vasiliy Ivanovich Petrov (born January 15, 1917 – died February 1, 2014) was an important Russian military leader. He became a Marshal of the Soviet Union, which is a very high rank in the army. He served his country for many years, from 1939 to 1986.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Vasiliy Petrov was born in 1917 in a place called Chernolesskoye. This area was part of the Stavropol Governorate in the Russian Empire. He finished high school in 1935. After that, he studied at a teacher training school for two years.
Joining the Army and World War II
Petrov joined the Red Army in 1939. This was just before World War II began. He completed a special course for lieutenants in 1941.
Petrov's Role in World War II
During World War II, Petrov fought in several major battles. He helped defend the cities of Odessa and Sevastopol. He also took part in the Caucasus Campaign. Later, he helped free Ukraine from enemy forces. He also participated in the invasion of Romania. His service continued in Hungary during the Budapest Offensive.
Rising Through the Ranks
After World War II ended, Petrov continued his military education. He studied at the Frunze Military Academy in Moscow. He then steadily moved up in the Soviet military.
Promotions and High Commands
- In 1952, he became a Colonel.
- By 1961, he was promoted to Major General.
- He became a Lieutenant General in 1965.
- In 1970, he reached the rank of Colonel General.
- He was promoted to General in 1972.
- Finally, in 1983, Vasiliy Petrov was given the highest military rank: Marshal of the Soviet Union.
From 1972 to 1976, he was in charge of the Far East Military District. This was a very important command. Later, from 1980 to 1985, he led all the Soviet Ground Forces. In 1986, he retired from the military due to health reasons.
International Service
In the late 1970s, Petrov worked as a military advisor. He helped the Ethiopian Army. He was sent to help them rebuild their forces. This was during a conflict known as the Ogaden War.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1982, Petrov received a very high honor. He was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. This award recognized his bravery and service. After 1992, he continued to serve. He worked as a military advisor for the Russian Federation's Ministry of Defence. Vasiliy Petrov passed away in 2014 at the age of 97. He was buried at the Federal Military Memorial Cemetery near Moscow.
Honors and Awards
Vasiliy Petrov received many awards for his long and brave service.
Awards from the Soviet Union and Russia
- Hero of the Soviet Union (1982)
- Order of Alexander Nevskiy (2012)
- Four Orders of Lenin
- Order of the October Revolution
- Order of the Red Banner
- Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class (twice) and 2nd class
- Order of the Red Star (twice)
- Order for Service to the Homeland in the Armed Forces of the USSR, 3rd class
- Medal for Combat Service
- Medal "For Distinction in Guarding the State Border of the USSR"
- Medal "For the Defence of the Caucasus"
- Medal "For the Defence of Odessa"
- Medal "For the Defence of Sevastopol"
- Medal "For Strengthening Military Cooperation"
- Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Many Jubilee Medals for Victory in World War II
- Medal "For the Capture of Budapest"
Awards from Other Countries
- Order "Ernesto Che Guevara", 1st class (Cuba)
- Order of the Red Banner (Czechoslovakia)
- Order of Victorious February (Czechoslovakia)
- Order of Sukhbaatar (Mongolia)
- Order of the Red Banner (Mongolia)
- Order "For Military Merit" (Mongolia)
- Scharnhorst Order (East Germany)
- Order of the Flag of the Hungarian People's Republic with diamonds (Hungary)
- Order of Tudor Vladimirescu, 1st class (Romania)
- Order "For Military Merit", 1st class (Romania)
- Order of the National Flag (Ethiopia)
- Order of National Flag of Korea (North Korea)
- Order "The People's Republic of Bulgaria", 1st class
- Order "For military Valour", 1st class
Faith-based Award
- Order of St. Grand Prince Dmitriy Donskoy, 2nd class
