Deväť zlatých hviezd. Hrdinovia alebo náhodný výber propagandy? Tanková čata podporučíka Deputatovav obrane hronského predmostia
Nine golden stars . Heroes or propaganda’s random selection? Platoon of second lieutenant Deputatov in the defence of the Hron bridge head.

Summary/Abstract: On February 17, 1945 units of the German Wehrmacht launched its last successful tank offensive on the eastern front. This operation received name Südwind. Its goal was an elimination of the Soviet 2nd Ukrainian front bridgehead on the lower Hron. The progress of this operation is well documented in the military-historical literature. We know exactly the units, their activity, even the losses on both sides. There is lack of information concerning the human dimension of this operation. Article focuses on three crews of second lieutenant Deputatov, who held their positions in lost battle until last moment and after it, they were celebrated as heroes. Were they really exceptional heroes or randomly selected examples to serve as a mean of strengthening the morale and motivate the others for such deeds?

• Details
• Contents