Much time has passed since the end of the last world war, and yet there are people who still find something directly connected to those terrible times. Later…
A long time has passed since the end of the last world war, and yet there are people who still find something that is directly connected to those terrible times.
A quarter of a century after the war, a tank with the clearly visible tactical number 12 was found sunk in the ground in a dense forest. The hatches were closed, and a large hole was visible in the side. When the car was opened, instead of the driver-mechanic, the remains of a junior tank lieutenant were found.
He had a revolver with one bullet and a tablet, and in the tablet there was a map, a photo of his girlfriend and unsent letters.
October 25, 1941
“Hello, my Varya! No, you and I will not meet. Yesterday at noon we destroyed another Nazi column. A fascist shell penetrated the side armor and exploded inside. As I was driving my car into the forest, Vasily was killed.
My wound is cruel. I buried Vasily Orlov in a birch grove. It was bright inside. Vasily died without having time to say a word to me, and he left nothing to his beautiful Zoya and gray-haired Mashenko, who looked like a fluffy dandelion.
Thus, of the three tankmen, only one remained. In the darkness, I entered the forest. The night passed in agony, and much blood was lost. Now, for some reason, the pain that burned throughout my chest has subsided, and my soul is at peace.
It’s a pity we didn’t do everything we could. But we did everything we could. Our comrades will drive away the enemy, who should not have entered our fields and forests.
I would never have lived this life if it weren’t for you, Varya. You’ve always helped me: in Khalkhin Gol and here. After all, those who love are probably kinder to others.
Thank you, my dear! One ages, but the sky is eternally young, like your eyes, into which one can only gaze and admire. They will never grow old or fade.
Time will pass, people will heal their wounds, build new cities, plant new gardens. Another life will come, other songs will be sung. But let us never forget the song about us, the three tankmen. You will raise beautiful children, you will continue to love.
And I am happy that I am leaving you with great love.
Yours, Ivan Kolosov