В. В. Kurasov
Encyclopedia
Vladimir Vasilyevich Kurasov (July 7(19), 1897 - November 29, 1973) was a Soviet military leader, Chief of Staff
of Kalinin Front
(renamed as 1st Baltic Front
) during World War II, reaching service rank of Army General
, Hero of the Soviet Union
.
as platoon commander.
. During the Russian Civil War
he commanded a company and a detachment of sea-mans. Took the defense of Petrograd against the troops of Northwestern Front
White Army headed by General
Nikolai Yudenich in 1919.
In 1921 he graduated from the Military Pedagogical Institute (the former of Vladimir Lenin Political-Military Academy). In 1921–1929, he commanded a training company in the Petrograd Commanding course, then was an instructor of tactics at Oranienbaum commanding course, in the third Joint International course, the Leningrad Infantry School. Became the member of Soviet Commmunist Party since 1928.
In 1932 he graduated from the Mikhail Frunze Military Academy. Since 1932, he served in the headquarters of the Belorussian Military District
. Since 1935 as chief of staff of 16th Rifle Corps.
In 1936–1938, he was the students of first session of General Staff Academy
, and retained in the Academy as a senior instructor of tactics. Since 1940, was Head of Department, lately was the Deputy Chief of Operational Department of the Soviet General Staff.
Kurasov worked at the General Staff. Promoted as Major General
on October 28, 1941. In December 25, 1941 he was appointed Chief of Staff of 4th Shock Army (at the same time, Colonel General
Yeremenko was appointed as the Army Commander) belonging to Northwestern Front and transferred into Kalinin Front
on January 22, 1942. During Toropets–Kholm Offensive in January - February 1942, the Army troops moved nearly 300 kilometers in less than a month, an unprecedented result for the entire offensive phase of the Battle of Moscow
. Since March 1942, Kurasov was appointed as Commanding General of the 4th Shock Army, which was at a relatively quiet section of Kalinin Front. Kurasov was promoted Lieutenant General
on May 21, 1942.
From April 1943, Kurasov became Chief of Staff of Kalinin Front (on October 12, 1943, renamed as 1st Baltic Front
). Played a prominent role in the development and implementation of Smolensk, Nevel, Gorodok operations in 1943. In the course of the Belarusian strategic operation in 1944 troops of 1st Baltic Front brilliantly conducted Vitebsk-Orsha and Polotsk frontline operations. Promoted Colonel General
on June 28, 1944. The fall of 1944 again caused a stir in the Baltic operations in Riga
and Memel directions.
Since January 1945 the Front's troops participated in the East Prussian strategic compaign, as well as independently conducted front-line operation to eliminate enemy Memel bridgehead and liberate the city of Memel (Klaipėda
). In February 1945, due to reduced length of the war front, 1st Baltic Front was abolished and on the basis Samland Group was established belonging to 3rd Belorussian Front
. Kurasov was appointed chief of staff of the group. In April 1945, troops of the group began Samland operation defeated the enemy on the Samland Peninsula, and in conjunction with the landing troops of Baltic Fleet
on the spit Frisch-Nerung.
in Austria. In 1946–1949, Chief Commander of Central Group of Forces
in Austria. Promoted Army General
on 12/11/1948.
In the years 1949–1956 Kurasov was the Chief of General Staff Military Academy. Since 1956 Kurasov was Deputy Chief of General Staff, charged Military Scientific Research, hold the concurrent Head of the Military Science Department of the General Staff. In 1961, Kurasov again appointed as Chief of General Staff Military Academy, became professor in 1963. Since 1963, Kurasov was for leadership in the Unified Commanding of the armed forces of states participants of the Warsaw Pact
.
In April 1968 Kuras appointed military inspector-adviser of the of General Inspectors Group of the Soviet Ministry of Defense. Died November 29, 1973 in Moscow. He was buried in the Novodevichy cemetery.
, Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on May 7, 1965, for his able leadership the troops, the personal courage in the struggle against the Nazi invaders, and to mark the 20 anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War "
Chief of Staff
The title, chief of staff, identifies the leader of a complex organization, institution, or body of persons and it also may identify a Principal Staff Officer , who is the coordinator of the supporting staff or a primary aide to an important individual, such as a president.In general, a chief of...
of Kalinin Front
Kalinin Front
The Kalinin Front was a Front of the Soviet Army during the Second World War. This sense of the term is not identical with the more general usage of military front which indicates a geographic area in wartime, although a Soviet Front may operate within designated boundaries.The Kalinin Front was...
(renamed as 1st Baltic Front
1st Baltic Front
The First Baltic Front was a Front of the Soviet Army during the Second World War. The commanders of it were Army General Andrey Yeryomenko and succeeded by Army General Bagramyan. It was formed by re-naming the Kalinin Front in October 12, 1943 and took part in several important military...
) during World War II, reaching service rank of Army General
Army General
For the army rank of General, as opposed to the specific rank of Army General, see General officer.Army General is a title used in many countries to denote the rank of General nominally commanding an army in the field...
, Hero of the Soviet Union
Hero of the Soviet Union
The title Hero of the Soviet Union was the highest distinction in the Soviet Union, awarded personally or collectively for heroic feats in service to the Soviet state and society.-Overview:...
.
In the Russian Empire
Born in a Russian servant family in St. Petersburg. He graduated from the 8-years technical school. Worked in a factory. In 1915, recruited by the Russian army. In 1916 he graduated from Telavi warrant military school and sent to the army in the First World War. Fought on the Western FrontWestern Front (Russian Empire)
The Western Front was a major unit of the Imperial Russian Army during the First World War. It was formed on the base of the Northwestern Front and disbanded in 1918.-Composition:Field Office * 1st Army...
as platoon commander.
Civil War and the interwar period
Since 1918 joined the Red ArmyRed Army
The Workers' and Peasants' Red Army started out as the Soviet Union's revolutionary communist combat groups during the Russian Civil War of 1918-1922. It grew into the national army of the Soviet Union. By the 1930s the Red Army was among the largest armies in history.The "Red Army" name refers to...
. During the Russian Civil War
Russian Civil War
The Russian Civil War was a multi-party war that occurred within the former Russian Empire after the Russian provisional government collapsed to the Soviets, under the domination of the Bolshevik party. Soviet forces first assumed power in Petrograd The Russian Civil War (1917–1923) was a...
he commanded a company and a detachment of sea-mans. Took the defense of Petrograd against the troops of Northwestern Front
Northwestern Front (Russian Empire)
The Northwestern Front was a military formation of the Imperial Russian Army during the First World War.It was established in August 1914. In August 1915 it was split into Northern Front and Western Front....
White Army headed by General
General
A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
Nikolai Yudenich in 1919.
In 1921 he graduated from the Military Pedagogical Institute (the former of Vladimir Lenin Political-Military Academy). In 1921–1929, he commanded a training company in the Petrograd Commanding course, then was an instructor of tactics at Oranienbaum commanding course, in the third Joint International course, the Leningrad Infantry School. Became the member of Soviet Commmunist Party since 1928.
In 1932 he graduated from the Mikhail Frunze Military Academy. Since 1932, he served in the headquarters of the Belorussian Military District
Belorussian Military District
The Byelorussian Military District was a military district of the Soviet Armed Forces. Originally in the times of Russian Civil War it formed as the Western Front, and in April 1924 it was renamed to the Western Military District. In October 1926 it was redesignated the Belorussian Military...
. Since 1935 as chief of staff of 16th Rifle Corps.
In 1936–1938, he was the students of first session of General Staff Academy
General Staff Academy (Russia)
The General Staff Academy of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation was founded in 1936 in Moscow by Leonid Govorov. It was the senior Soviet and now Russian professional school for officers....
, and retained in the Academy as a senior instructor of tactics. Since 1940, was Head of Department, lately was the Deputy Chief of Operational Department of the Soviet General Staff.
Great Patriotic War
In the early months of Great Patriotic War, ColonelColonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
Kurasov worked at the General Staff. Promoted as Major General
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
on October 28, 1941. In December 25, 1941 he was appointed Chief of Staff of 4th Shock Army (at the same time, Colonel General
Colonel General
Colonel General is a senior rank of General. North Korea and Russia are two countries which have used the rank extensively throughout their histories...
Yeremenko was appointed as the Army Commander) belonging to Northwestern Front and transferred into Kalinin Front
Kalinin Front
The Kalinin Front was a Front of the Soviet Army during the Second World War. This sense of the term is not identical with the more general usage of military front which indicates a geographic area in wartime, although a Soviet Front may operate within designated boundaries.The Kalinin Front was...
on January 22, 1942. During Toropets–Kholm Offensive in January - February 1942, the Army troops moved nearly 300 kilometers in less than a month, an unprecedented result for the entire offensive phase of the Battle of Moscow
Battle of Moscow
The Battle of Moscow is the name given by Soviet historians to two periods of strategically significant fighting on a sector of the Eastern Front during World War II. It took place between October 1941 and January 1942. The Soviet defensive effort frustrated Hitler's attack on Moscow, capital of...
. Since March 1942, Kurasov was appointed as Commanding General of the 4th Shock Army, which was at a relatively quiet section of Kalinin Front. Kurasov was promoted Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
on May 21, 1942.
From April 1943, Kurasov became Chief of Staff of Kalinin Front (on October 12, 1943, renamed as 1st Baltic Front
1st Baltic Front
The First Baltic Front was a Front of the Soviet Army during the Second World War. The commanders of it were Army General Andrey Yeryomenko and succeeded by Army General Bagramyan. It was formed by re-naming the Kalinin Front in October 12, 1943 and took part in several important military...
). Played a prominent role in the development and implementation of Smolensk, Nevel, Gorodok operations in 1943. In the course of the Belarusian strategic operation in 1944 troops of 1st Baltic Front brilliantly conducted Vitebsk-Orsha and Polotsk frontline operations. Promoted Colonel General
Colonel General
Colonel General is a senior rank of General. North Korea and Russia are two countries which have used the rank extensively throughout their histories...
on June 28, 1944. The fall of 1944 again caused a stir in the Baltic operations in Riga
Riga
Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia. With 702,891 inhabitants Riga is the largest city of the Baltic states, one of the largest cities in Northern Europe and home to more than one third of Latvia's population. The city is an important seaport and a major industrial, commercial,...
and Memel directions.
Since January 1945 the Front's troops participated in the East Prussian strategic compaign, as well as independently conducted front-line operation to eliminate enemy Memel bridgehead and liberate the city of Memel (Klaipėda
Klaipeda
Klaipėda is a city in Lithuania situated at the mouth of the Nemunas River where it flows into the Baltic Sea. It is the third largest city in Lithuania and the capital of Klaipėda County....
). In February 1945, due to reduced length of the war front, 1st Baltic Front was abolished and on the basis Samland Group was established belonging to 3rd Belorussian Front
3rd Belorussian Front
The 3rd Belorussian Front was a Front of the Soviet Army during the Second World War...
. Kurasov was appointed chief of staff of the group. In April 1945, troops of the group began Samland operation defeated the enemy on the Samland Peninsula, and in conjunction with the landing troops of Baltic Fleet
Baltic Fleet
The Twice Red Banner Baltic Fleet - is the Russian Navy's presence in the Baltic Sea. In previous historical periods, it has been part of the navy of Imperial Russia and later the Soviet Union. The Fleet gained the 'Twice Red Banner' appellation during the Soviet period, indicating two awards of...
on the spit Frisch-Nerung.
Postwar years
In June 1945, Kurasov appointed as Chief of Staff of the Soviet military administration in Germany. Then Deputy Chief of Central Group of ForcesCentral Group of Forces
The Central Group of Forces was a Soviet military formation used to control Soviet troops in Central Europe on two occasions: in Austria and Hungary from 1945-55 and troops stationed in Czechoslovakia after the Prague Spring of 1968....
in Austria. In 1946–1949, Chief Commander of Central Group of Forces
Central Group of Forces
The Central Group of Forces was a Soviet military formation used to control Soviet troops in Central Europe on two occasions: in Austria and Hungary from 1945-55 and troops stationed in Czechoslovakia after the Prague Spring of 1968....
in Austria. Promoted Army General
Army General
For the army rank of General, as opposed to the specific rank of Army General, see General officer.Army General is a title used in many countries to denote the rank of General nominally commanding an army in the field...
on 12/11/1948.
In the years 1949–1956 Kurasov was the Chief of General Staff Military Academy. Since 1956 Kurasov was Deputy Chief of General Staff, charged Military Scientific Research, hold the concurrent Head of the Military Science Department of the General Staff. In 1961, Kurasov again appointed as Chief of General Staff Military Academy, became professor in 1963. Since 1963, Kurasov was for leadership in the Unified Commanding of the armed forces of states participants of the Warsaw Pact
Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Treaty Organization of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance , or more commonly referred to as the Warsaw Pact, was a mutual defense treaty subscribed to by eight communist states in Eastern Europe...
.
In April 1968 Kuras appointed military inspector-adviser of the of General Inspectors Group of the Soviet Ministry of Defense. Died November 29, 1973 in Moscow. He was buried in the Novodevichy cemetery.
Awards
Hero of the Soviet UnionHero of the Soviet Union
The title Hero of the Soviet Union was the highest distinction in the Soviet Union, awarded personally or collectively for heroic feats in service to the Soviet state and society.-Overview:...
, Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on May 7, 1965, for his able leadership the troops, the personal courage in the struggle against the Nazi invaders, and to mark the 20 anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War "
- 4 Order of LeninOrder of LeninThe Order of Lenin , named after the leader of the Russian October Revolution, was the highest decoration bestowed by the Soviet Union...
- 4 Order of the Red BannerOrder of the Red BannerThe Soviet government of Russia established the Order of the Red Banner , a military decoration, on September 16, 1918 during the Russian Civil War...
- 2 first class Order of SuvorovOrder of SuvorovThe Order of Suvorov is a Soviet award, named after Aleksandr Suvorov , that was established on July 29, 1942 by a decision of the Presidium of Supreme Soviet of the USSR. This decoration was created to award senior army personnel for exceptional leadership in combat operations...
- First class Order of KutuzovOrder of KutuzovThe Order of Kutuzov is a Soviet and Russian military award, named after famous Russian Field Marshal Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov ....
Sources
- The Soviet Military Encyclopedia in 8 volumes - T. 4. - M., 1977. - S. 530.
- The Great Patriotic War 1941–1945: Encyclopedia - M., 1985. - S. 390.
- Kurasov, V.V. Heroes of the Soviet Union: A Short Biographical Dictionary, Prev. Ed. Bar JH Shkadov. - Moscow: Military Publishing, 1987. - T. 1 / Abayev - Lubich. - S. 823. - 911 sec. - 100 000. - ISBN UTS., Reg. Number in the RCP 87-95382