Steel Soviet Union

Vatutin was not sacrificed, at least not in this timeline.

Malashenko acted according to his own will and successfully rescued Vatutin, making the tragedy of the famous Red Army general dying at the gunpoint of Ukrainian gangsters no longer a thing.

Correspondingly, some things that would have happened after Vatutin's death in existing history have also changed, things that even Malashenko, a time traveler, could not predict.

After the Battle of Cherkasy, Vatutin was sent to the Belarusian border by a transfer order from Moscow, and was ordered to serve as the commander of the Third Belarusian Front Army. He will enter the battle as one of the four main front armies participating in the Belarusian Campaign, and will be responsible for the most important assault. combat mission.

This large-scale battle was the fifth of the ten Stalin assaults, codenamed "Operation Bagration." It will also be the largest strategic counterattack launched by the Soviet army against the German army so far. Only the main force was invested in four front armies at once, and the number of troops in the auxiliary combat direction was even more insignificant.

"You performed very well in Cherkasy, Vatutin, I am very satisfied with your performance."

"Zhukov suggested that I consider promoting you to the rank of marshal. He said that you are worthy of this honor. Of course, I agree with him. But at the same time, I think that the marshal, as a soldier, should be the pinnacle of his career and should be more glorious and More glorious moments to set it off.

"The next action will be the most glorious of the Red Army's strategic counterattacks against the enemy. Take it! Win for the motherland! I will sign a promotion order in Moscow and wait for your good news, thousands of The Red Army officers and men will witness the birth of a new marshal. That is your moment, Vatutin."

Comrade Stalin, his loving father, had his own considerations and decisions. Vatutin, who knew what he should do, simply stated in person that he would live up to expectations and resolutely win the next battle, demonstrating his determination to win and his ability to fear no hardships. courage. Regarding honors and awards, he did not expect too much and was meticulous. Comrade Stalin's smile seemed particularly satisfied.

Malashenko did not know this. In fact, after being received by Comrade Stalin last time, Malashenko had never seen Comrade Stalin again. But this is not surprising. It would be abnormal for a small field force major general to be frequently visited by leaders and comrades.

Sitting in the back seat of the Gas Jeep, looking at the grassland scenery passing by outside the window, Malashenko, who was deeply moved, could not help but turn his head and say to the political commissar sitting next to him.

"Look at this place, how beautiful it is. If it weren't for the war, I think I would have brought Natalia here to have a good time and make up for my debt to her.

After hearing what Malashenko said, he smiled faintly, and the political commissar who spoke without much thought directly attacked Malashenko's army.

"Are you just bringing Natalia? Did you forget someone else?"

""

Malashenko, who looked embarrassed, certainly knew what Comrade Comrade Comrade's words meant. He had to say that Natalia's weight in his heart was indeed heavier than Anya's. Malashenko had to admit this and face it. To reality, but this is not the reason for Malashenko to continue to dwell on this issue.

"Well, let's get down to business. Ke Jing sent a telegram a few days ago saying that the new equipment will be shipped soon, so we should pay attention to receiving it. Have you checked? Is the goods on the road now? If so, where did it go? ?”

The "goods" in Malashenko's mouth, of course, refer to a series of new consensus points reached after the last battle of Cherkasy, when he specifically asked for leave and returned to the rear to discuss with Kotin. Kogin promised Malashenko to transform these new consensus points into actual usable equipment. Now Malashenko just wants to quickly use this batch of new products that can stimulate and improve combat effectiveness in a short time.

"I asked someone to check. There is indeed a special train departing from Chelyabinsk, and its destination is the Belarusian front line close to our side. The heavy-duty train, which is full of confidential arms and equipment, is escorted by escorts throughout the journey."

"The train should arrive at the front line today and tomorrow. You can count on it arriving tomorrow. We will probably be busy with combat meetings for the rest of today. Even if the things arrive, you don't have time to see them. You, the division commander, have to arrive at a specific time. Duan looks like a teacher."

The division commander doesn't look like a division commander. He acts as a boss all day long and only thinks about going to the battlefield. He is more like a commando captain than a division commander.

Of course Malashenko, who was a little embarrassed by what he said, knew this, but the batch of goods that Kogin promised to deliver as soon as possible was indeed too tempting.

You must know that this batch of goods means a double improvement in protection and firepower. Malashenko, who does not know the specific situation, can only rely on guessing. It is natural to be uncontrollable in inner expectations and excitement.

But as Comrade Political Commissar said, the top priority is to get this important operational meeting going. Counting Malashenko's car, a small convoy of three vehicles arrived at the front army headquarters very quickly.

"Good boy, I haven't seen you for more than two months, and I feel stronger than before!"

He was so familiar with Vatutin that he couldn't be more familiar with him, and he had to count the special relationship of saving his life. Vatutin, who already had a good impression of Malashenko, now almost regarded Comrade Malashenko as The way he treats his little brother, even the opening remarks of this meeting, is completely different from how he treats other subordinates.

Facing Vatutin's "praise" with a smiling face, Malashenko could only scratch his head in embarrassment and speak slowly.

"It's not that strong, but actually I'm fat. I've almost vomited meat recently. It's meat every day, hey."

"You're almost vomiting after eating the meat? This is a good thing. Store more energy, and you will have more energy to fight when the battle begins! Comrade Commander is very supportive of you doing this."

With a smile on his face, he made a small joke with Malashenko, even though his face was thicker than the city wall, Malashenko also started to feel a little embarrassed. Fortunately, Comrade Vatutin, who had just called it a day, also stopped there, and then pointed to a small sofa in his office and said casually.

"I called you here this time because I want to talk to you about some things alone. There are some things that I don't want to explain so clearly in front of everyone in the battle meeting. There are some things that are only suitable for you to know. Do you understand what I mean? "

Malashenko sat down on the sofa in the direction of Vatutin's finger, and then nodded slightly in understanding.

"I think you should understand, at least roughly, Comrade Commander."

"Ha, you are the most honest. You know, there are many people who like to express themselves and show off their abilities here. They all have their own ideas and purposes. There are not many generals who are as honest as you."