Arkhipov, Vasilii Sergeevich

Born Dec. 9 (22), 1906 in the village of Tiutniary, now in Cheliabinsk Oblast. Colonel general in the tank forces and twice Hero of the Soviet Union. Member of the CPSU since 1931.

Arkhipov first entered the Soviet Army in 1928. He completed advanced courses for commander (1938 and 1943) and graduated from the Academy of the General Staff in 1950. Arkhipov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on Mar. 21, 1940, for his command of a tank company in the successful penetration of the enemy’s defenses during the Soviet-Finnish war, and on Sept. 23, 1944 for his skillful leadership of the 53rd Tank Brigade during the capture of the town of Peremyshl’ and the assault crossing of the Vistula River. He was awarded three orders of Lenin, five Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of Kutuzov Second Class, the Order of the Red Star, two foreign (Polish and Czechoslovak) orders, and medals. After the war, Arkhipov was engaged in command and leadership duties in the Soviet Army.