The Taman Guard is renowned for its glory... The Valiant Division - 60 Years

Дата публикации: 29 июня 2025
Автор: V. Zhevnyak →
Публикатор: Научная библиотека Порталус
Рубрика: ВОЕННОЕ ДЕЛО →
Номер публикации: №1751149008 / Жалобы? Ошибка? Выделите проблемный текст и нажмите CTRL+ENTER!

In Soviet times, the Taman soldiers, if I may say so, served as an exemplary hallmark of the Armed Forces of a powerful state. They participated in parades on Red Square and hosted numerous foreign delegations. There was a lot to show off. Today, the Taman soldiers can be described in a different way. They are no longer a "hallmark" in the traditional sense, but rather a symbol of the army. They have experienced the challenges of political winds and the trials of reform. They don't get many visitors anymore (but then again, you don't invite people to your house when you're renovating), and they sometimes miss parades. There are ongoing transformations in our army, which means there are changes in the division. However, the Taman Guards have had to fight. The parade dedicated to the 55th anniversary of Victory was missed due to their deployment to Chechnya.

Viktor ZHEVNYAK, Deputy Commander of the Division for Educational Work, tells about the history, traditions, and present day of the famous unit.

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The 2nd Guards Motorized Rifle Taman Order of the October Revolution, Red Banner, Order of Suvorov, 2nd Class Division: Important Dates, Events, and Facts.

On July 8, 1940, the People's Commissar of Defense issued an order to form the 127th Rifle Division.

On September 18, 1941, the People's Commissar of Defense issued an order to transform the 127th Rifle Division into the 2nd Guards Rifle Division.

On June 19, 1943, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR issued a decree awarding the 2nd Guards Rifle Division the Order of the Red Banner.

On October 9, 1943, the division was awarded the honorary name of Taman.

On May 24, 1944, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR issued a decree awarding the 2nd Guards Rifle Taman Red Banner Division the Order of Suvorov, Second Class.

On May 4, 1985, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR issued a decree awarding the Kalinin Guards Motor Rifle Division of the Taman Red Banner Order of Suvorov, 2nd Class, with the Order of the October Revolution.

Thirty-three soldiers of the division were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Three of them - Sergeant Alexander Mikhailovich Nosov, Junior Sergeant Joseph Iosifovich Laar, and Private Ivan Vasilyevich Temchenko - were permanently enlisted in their respective units.

Does our connection have a special status? Sure. And above all, it is determined by the heroic combat path of the division. It was among the first to receive the honorary title of "Gvardeyskaya", and we are extremely proud of this. How can I not quote an excerpt from the memoirs of Marshal G. K. Zhukov, who is very stingy in his praise, but very fair in his assessments:

"The first guard divisions, with their discipline, resilience, and example in the battles of 1941, laid the foundation for the formation of the Soviet Guard."

The special status today is to never give up the heights taken by our fathers and grandfathers, and to be worthy of the glory of our well-deserved veterans in all our endeavors. "I am a Taman," these words are spoken with pride.

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There are thousands of our former comrades-in-arms scattered across the cities and villages, in the various countries that were once part of the same nation. We may be geographically separated, but spiritually, we have always been, are, and will continue to be united. This is the essence of the Taman Guards. Once you step into their realm, you will forever be captivated by their magnetic force, which brings us closer together, strengthening our bond.

Historically and geographically, we are located at the crossroads of many political, life, and military paths. We are people in uniform, the sovereign's support. Naturally, the division's soldiers have had to participate in or witness many events that have taken place in the country and Moscow over the past decade. In 1990, 1991, and 1993, when we were tasked with non-traditional roles, we received combat missions and carried them out accordingly.

Some media outlets have subjected us to severe criticism for our lack of "political flexibility." However, the entire army, not just our division, has experienced a period of humiliation and neglect during the years of political turmoil. I would like to believe that the anti-army rhetoric and criticism of those in uniform are a thing of the past. Today, we are witnessing a positive shift in the perception of the country's defenders. We are well aware of the expectations placed upon us.

Since the very first days, the Taman Division has been involved in the counter-terrorism operation in the Chechen Republic. One fact speaks volumes about the Taman Division's performance: to date, 800 soldiers in the Taman Division's motorized rifle regiment have been awarded orders and medals. The Taman Division's service record includes their participation in the liberation of Grozny, the Vedensky District, and many lesser-known settlements in Chechnya from terrorist groups. Unfortunately, the current situation does not allow us to name all the heroes, distinguished soldiers, sergeants, officers, and warrant officers. But I can assure you that no one will go unnoticed or be left out of the deserved awards and attention. Today's generation of Tamanians has proven through their actions that no cataclysm can break the fighting spirit of the Guards. In the difficult hour of testing, the division's envoys in Chechnya have demonstrated their high level of skill, courage, and resilience. From September to May, the motorized riflemen carried out their combat missions. Several times, they were preparing for a planned replacement, but it was postponed due to valid reasons. No one complained or abandoned their comrades. There are many examples of officers and soldiers who, after recovering from their injuries, refused to take their allotted leave and hurried back to their comrades in arms.

It is known that the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division remains permanently stationed in the Chechen Republic. The Tamanians took an active part in its formation. For example, the former commander of one of our division's motorized rifle regiments has been appointed as the deputy commander of the new unit. Our officer has also been appointed as the deputy commander of the regiment for educational work. He was an excellent deputy battalion commander, and during the war, he proved himself and made significant progress in his career. We are proud of our former comrades-in-arms, of whom there are many. We are confident in them. Although it is not easy to part with such people, we understand that their departure may cause problems for us. However, it will also be difficult for our comrades. In general, the challenges continue. There are many new tasks ahead. I am confident that we can handle them.

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Опубликовано 29 июня 2025 года