Vasily Zaytsev facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vasily Grigoryevich Zaytsev
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| Allegiance | Soviet Union |
| Years of service | 1942 — 1943 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | Great Patriotic War |
| Awards | Hero of the Soviet Union Order of Lenin Order of the Red Banner Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class Medal for the Defence of Stalingrad Medal For the Victory Over Germany |
Vasily Grigoryevich Zaytsev (born March 23, 1915 – died December 15, 1991) was a very famous Soviet sniper during World War II. A sniper is a highly skilled shooter who can hit targets from far away.
He became especially well-known for his actions between November 10 and December 17, 1942. This was during the very important Battle of Stalingrad. During this time, he took down 225 enemy soldiers and officers. This number included 11 enemy snipers. Before November 10, he had already taken down 32 enemy soldiers using a standard Mosin-Nagant rifle. Between October 1942 and January 1943, Zaytsev had 242 confirmed kills. Some people believe the real number might have been as high as 400. At that time, his military rank was Junior Lieutenant.
A movie called Enemy At The Gates is based on his amazing achievements during World War II.
Contents
Vasily Zaytsev: A Hero Sniper
Vasily Zaytsev was a true hero of the Soviet Union. He showed incredible bravery and skill during one of the toughest battles in history. His story teaches us about courage and determination.
Early Life and Military Service
Vasily Zaytsev was born in a small village called Yeleninskoye. This was in the Russian Empire. He grew up in a time when life was often hard. When World War II began, he joined the Soviet military. He started out as a clerk in the navy.
Becoming a Legendary Sniper
Zaytsev's sharp shooting skills were quickly noticed. He was sent to the front lines during the Battle of Stalingrad. This battle was a huge and very fierce fight. It took place in the city of Stalingrad. The city was almost completely destroyed.
Zaytsev became a sniper. He used his skills to help his country. He would hide and wait for the right moment to shoot. He was very good at staying hidden. He also knew how to pick the best spots to shoot from.
The Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in World War II. It was a fight between the Soviet Union and the Axis powers. The Axis powers included Germany. Zaytsev played a big part in this battle. He helped defend the city.
He taught other soldiers how to be snipers too. He developed special tactics. These tactics helped snipers work together. They would hunt down enemy snipers. This was very important for the safety of other soldiers.
Life After the War
After the war, Vasily Zaytsev continued to serve his country. He became a manager in a factory. He also wrote a book about his experiences. The book is called "Notes of a Sniper." He passed away in 1991. He is remembered as one of the most famous snipers in history.
Books About Vasily Zaytsev
- Zaytsev, Vasily (1956-1971) "Notes of a Sniper: For us There is no Land Beyond the Volga" Vladivostok: Moscow/2826 Press Inc.
Images for kids
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Zaytsev, left, in Stalingrad, December 1942
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Zaytsev's grave on the Mamayev Kurgan
