SMOLYAKOV ABRAM YEFIMOVICH

SMOLYAKOV ABRAM YEFIMOVICH

Major, Participant of World War II, The Hero of the Soviet Union (December 24, 1943)

He was born on May 25, 1908, in the village of Sherbinovka (now Krichevsky district of the Mogilev region) in a working-class family.
For a long time he lived and worked in Yuzovka (later it was called Stalin).
In 1930 he served in the Red Army. From June 1941 he served in World War II. He was the Deputy Commander for Political Affairs of the 1177th Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment (the 7th Guards Special Anti-Tank Brigade of the 47th Army of the Voronezh Front). In the battles he retreated towards the Dnieper, participated in the defensive battles north of Gomel, and then in counter-attacks.
In 1942 he took part in the attacks in the Voronezh region and Kursk, then in the Battle of Kursk in the Oboyan region, in the attacks against Belgorod and Kharkov. He was awarded the Order of the Red Banner for military service.
On September 30, 1943, in the north of Kanev, Smolyakov’s artillery units crossed the Dnieper and occupied the bridgehead. The enemy’s counterattacks began with tanks against them. The 1177th Regiment crossed the river and landed on the bridgehead. Infantry took up positions in combat mode and fought against the enemy tanks. The heavy fighting began on October 3.
The artillerymen suffered heavy casualties, and when there were only one or two men left in the artillery. In this way, the officers took up positions in front of the cannons. In one of the batteries, Lieutenant Colonel Shalimov and his Deputy Commander for Political Affairs, Major Smolyakov, fought against tanks. Both were killed in battle, but the bridgehead was captured.
He was buried in Leplyavo village, Kanevsky district, Cherkasy region.
By the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of December 24, 1943, “For exemplary performance of combat duties, courage and heroism in the fight against Nazi invaders on the front” Major Smolyakov was awarded the title of “The Hero of the Soviet Union” (after his death).