Pavol Šteiner

Title: Deväť zlatých hviezd. Hrdinovia alebo náhodný výber propagandy? Tanková čata podporučíka Deputatova v obrane hronského predmostia

(Nine golden stars. Hero es or a propaganda’s random selection? Platoon of second lieutenant Deputatov in the defence of the Hron bridgehead) – pdf

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?

Author: ŠTEINER Pavol

Publication order reference: Katedra muzeológie, Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa v Nitre, Hodžova 1, 749 74 Nitra, Slovak Republic, mail: psteiner@ukf.sk

Source: Studia Historica Nitriensia, year: 2013, vol.: 17, number: 1, pages: 54-68

Key words: operation Südwind; Deputatov; World War II; heroes of the Soviet Union;

Language: SLOVAK