Colonel Nikolai Fedorovich Ivanov. Theory of combat use

In rare family newsreels, Vasily Margelov, to whom two German tank corps surrendered without a fight in 1945, does not at all look like a formidable military leader. Belomor Canal cigarettes, vest, riding breeches...

In rare family newsreels, Vasily Margelov, to whom two German tank corps surrendered without a fight in 1945, does not at all look like a formidable military leader. Belomor-Canal cigarettes, vest, riding breeches - everything is the same ordinary people. Next to him is his wife Anna Alexandrovna, whom he met in 1941 on the Leningrad Front, and five sons. The last two - Alexander and Vasily - are twins, who later wrote about their legendary father book “Paratrooper No. 1, Army General Margelov.”

Two St. George's crosses from Father Margelov

Born in ordinary family metal worker who returned home with two St. George's crosses on his chest and was able to hug his three sons and daughter, a father for Vasily became an absolute example courage and thoughtfulness. His father taught Vasily that the one who can think and fight wins. These postulates of his father became the main ones for Vasily, he did not leave the enemy a single chance, except one - to surrender in order to continue living.

Mines, forest, ski run to Moscow

But his father’s first commandment - not to lose heart - came in handy for Vasily when he fell into a blockage in the mine where he worked and with his comrades dug out heavy stones. After this, he received a lung disease and was sent as a forester, which also came in handy in his camouflage and shooting skills, which he showed “excellent” after being drafted into the Red Army. He was sent to a military school in Belarus to study to become a Red commander, where he organized a ski run to Moscow. On the way, they lost one cadet and returned, although they had walked several kilometers. It is seen, strong wind knocked the cadet off his feet, he fell, was immediately covered in snow, and could not get out. After this incident, Margelov walked the rest of the way at the rear, and not first, as was before. Thus, Margelov gradually developed the talent of a military teacher - one must always take care of others more than oneself.

"Great, pincers!"

In 1941, Vasily Margelov faced the most difficult test, as he himself wrote: he had to sign several hundred funeral documents at one time. Then he was appointed commander of the first special regiment of sailors Baltic Fleet. Margelov already had a significant military burden behind him: the Finnish war, where he became famous by capturing several generals from the enemy General Staff and command of a disciplinary battalion. However, sailors are a special kind of people: they received the land major gloomily. When Vasily saw the frowning faces, he said, not according to the regulations: “Great, claws!” That's all. Of course, they started smiling. He had to become close to his brothers and accept, perhaps, the most main fight In my life. This happened at the end of November 1941. Soviet command made another attempt to break the blockade of Leningrad: Margelov's regiment was ordered to attack German positions in the area of Lake Ladoga. An infantry division was also supposed to support the attack of the sailors, but for unknown reasons it did not reach the initial lines in time. In such difficult situation Margelov refused to throw his people into battle without support, realizing that they could all die there to no avail, in vain. The head of the special department then told him: “Either Major Margelov will advance, or he will be shot according to the laws of war.” Then Margelov gathered all his commanders and told them that he would not force them into battle, it would be better if they shot him.

Vest - in memory of sailors

Both in peacetime and in wartime, those commanders who take care of their guys and do not hide behind their backs are always respected. The sailors, realizing that the situation was extremely difficult, volunteered to go with their commanders into a deadly attack. On the night of November 27, 1941, they captured the first line German defense, at the cost of huge losses, they stayed there for several hours, until the command ordered them to retreat to their previous positions. Later, the division command that gave the criminal order was shot. And Margelov personally testified against the division commanders during the trial of the case by the military tribunal. But it was impossible to return the dead. And Vasily understood this, reliving and remembering that terrible night when the sailors followed him. In 1968, in memory of his brothers, Vasily Margelov insisted that a vest be mandatory included in the uniform of paratroopers. And although this caused a certain amount of jealousy on the part of representatives of the navy, Vasily was able to convince the Minister of Defense and his deputies that the paratroopers are continuers of the traditions of the fleet and recognize his, “elder brother’s” primacy in this type of clothing. But gradually these adjustments faded away and for decades paratroopers lovingly wore naked vests, this warm and comfortable clothing for everyday wear.

Margelov always treated his subordinates with care and real respect; he delved into all the details of the soldiers’ life. When in 1942 Lieutenant Colonel Margelov took command of the 13th rifle regiment, then first of all he went to the canteen, where he discovered that the soldier’s ration was not so rich and ordered to give his additional ration to the canteen. Other officers followed this example. It is not surprising that for such care the soldiers sincerely loved their commander, who led them into battle on the Mius Front: they were able to break through the deeply echeloned German defenses in the Saur-Mogila area.

Troops need armor

Vasily Margelov, who returned from the front with the Gold Star of the Hero for the capture of Kherson and the formation of the Dnieper and walked in the Victory Parade on Red Square, graduated from the military academy in 1948 and began the main idea of his life - a radical change in the structure of the airborne troops. He was literally obsessed with the idea of protecting his paratroopers with armor because these troops were usually sent into the thick of things so that, having landed, they would steadfastly hold the defense while awaiting the arrival of the main forces. And if the landing force could not hold out for several precious hours, then this meant one thing - death behind enemy lines. Margelov’s students needed reliable protection: in modern conditions in the conduct of combat operations there were no longer enough feats based on skillfully throwing several people into the rear who were able to run, crawl and neutralize the enemy. Of course, physical and moral qualities were one of the main conditions for survival during complex operations, but it was necessary to fight in such a way as to avoid as much as possible human losses. And therefore, Margelov harshly raised the question to the Minister of Defense about the need to equip the airborne troops with armored vehicles, artillery, and aviation.

In the 50s years of the Airborne Forces in the army it also stood for “you’re unlikely to return home.” Margelov walked around many corridors in military departments. He stood his ground: the troops needed a light armored vehicle, equipped with the most modern weapons, that could be parachuted from an airplane. And such a machine was finally created: in military newsreels you can see how a car falls out of the belly of an An-12 aircraft at an altitude of 800 meters at a flight speed of 300-350 kilometers per hour, the canopy of the parachute opens and it lands successfully, next to In theory, paratroopers were also supposed to land there. But in reality, the two crew members landed at a significant distance from each other, and the location of the vehicle was determined by special signals: a special transceiver device was mounted inside the vehicle and on the chest of the paratroopers. At first glance this seemed like a great success.

August 2 to Russian cities blue will splash, as well as water from park fountains. The most connected branch of the military will celebrate the holiday. “Defend Russia” remembers the legendary “Uncle Vasya” - the same one who created the Airborne Forces in their modern form.

There are as many myths and tales as there are about “Uncle Vasya’s troops” about any other unit of the Russian army. It seems that strategic aviation flies the farthest presidential regiment steps like robots, space forces can look beyond the horizon, GRU special forces are the most terrible, underwater strategic missile carriers are capable of destroying entire cities. But “there are no impossible tasks - there are airborne troops.” There were many commanders of the Airborne Forces, but they had one most important commander.

Vasily Margelov, “Uncle Vasya” is a legendary man. During his leadership, airborne divisions turned into elite troops capable of “redrawing” the map of Europe overnight.

Vasily Margelov was born in 1908. Until Ekaterinoslav became Dnepropetrovsk, Margelov worked at a mine, a stud farm, a forestry enterprise and a local deputy council. Only at the age of 20 did he join the army. Measuring career steps and kilometers on the march, he took part in Polish campaign The Red Army and the Soviet-Finnish War. In July 1941, the future “Uncle Vasya” became regimental commander in the division people's militia, and 4 months later, from a veryfar - on skis - he began the creation of the Airborne Forces.

Perhaps it was during the Great Patriotic War that he showed his worth a brilliant military leader. What is the cost of one division without a fight to the “Soviet Skorzeny” (as the Germans called him) tank corps SS "Death's Head" and " Greater Germany"May 12, 1945, which were ordered not to allow Americans into the area of responsibility. An enemy driven into a corner is capable of much - there is nothing left to lose. For the SS men, retribution for the atrocities was inevitable, and new victims were inevitable. And the order was clear - capture or destroy.

Margelov took a decisive step. With a group of officers armed with machine guns and grenades, the division commander, accompanied by a battery of 57-mm cannons in his Jeep, arrived at the group’s headquarters. Having ordered the battalion commander to set up guns with direct fire at the enemy headquarters and shoot if he does not return in ten minutes.

Margelov presented an ultimatum to the Germans: Either they surrender and their lives are spared, or complete destruction using all fire weapons of the division: “by 4.00 am - front to the east. Light weapons: machine guns, machine guns, rifles - in stacks, ammunition - nearby. The second line - military equipment, guns and mortars - with their muzzles down. Soldiers and officers - formation to the west." Time to think is only a few minutes: “while his cigarette burns out.” The Germans' nerves were the first to crack. The picture of the SS surrender was stunning. An accurate count of trophies showed the following figures: 2 generals, 806 officers, 31,258 non-commissioned officers, 77 tanks and self-propelled guns, 5,847 trucks, 493 trucks, 46 mortars, 120 guns, 16 locomotives, 397 carriages. For this military feat, at the Victory Parade, Margelov was entrusted with commanding the combined regiment of the 2nd Ukrainian Front.

“You’re unlikely to return home”

“You’re unlikely to return home” In 1950, already a former warrior, Margelov took command of the Far Eastern Special Airborne Corps. At that time, airborne troops were not very popular. They were compared to penalty prisoners, and the abbreviation itself was deciphered: “You’re unlikely to return home.” It’s impossible to believe, but after a few months the Airborne Forces became the best part ground forces. Subsequently, the primitive equipment was replenished with a Kalashnikov assault rifle with a special folding butt so that it would not interfere with the opening of the parachute, lightweight aluminum armor, an RPG-16 anti-tank grenade launcher, and Centaur platforms for landing people in combat vehicles. And the fatalistic name was replaced in the 70s by “Uncle Vasya’s Troops,” as the Airborne Forces themselves called themselves, emphasizing the special warmth of feelings for their commander.

Margelov was technically paratrooper number one not during his entire service. His history of relationships with the post of commander, and with the country and its regime, is similar to the career path of the commander in chief Soviet fleet Nikolai Kuznetsov. He also commanded with a short break: Kuznetsov had four years, Margelov two (1959–1961). True, unlike the admiral, who survived two disgraces, lost and received ranks again, Margelov did not lose stars on his shoulder straps, but only grew them, becoming an army general in 1967.

First jump

During the training of paratroopers, Margelov paid special attention to parachute jumping. He himself first found himself under the dome only in 1948, already with the rank of general: “Until the age of 40, I vaguely understood what a parachute was; I never even dreamed of jumping. It happened on its own, or rather, as it should be in the army, by order. I am a military man, if necessary, I am ready to take the devil in my teeth. That’s how I had to, already being a general, make my first parachute jump. The impression, I tell you, is incomparable.” In the 1960s, after Yuri Gagarin's first flight into space and his parachute landing as a result of a malfunction during landing, the way was opened for Margelov and his winged guard to incredible aerial experiments. Soviet parachutists set absolute records: jumping from the stratosphere from a height of 23 km with immediate opening of the parachute, landing on the Caucasus and Pamir mountains.

Vasily Margelov himself once said: “Anyone who has never left an airplane in his life, from where cities and villages seem like toys, who has never experienced the joy and fear of a free fall, a whistle in his ears, a stream of wind beating his chest, has never will understand the honor and pride of the paratrooper." He himself subsequently, despite his advanced years, made about 60 jumps, the last at the age of 65.

Margelov significantly increased the mobility of the Airborne Forces (in Ukraine, for example, they are called airmobile troops). Actively working with the military-industrial complex, the commander achieved the entry into service of the An-22 and An-76 aircraft, which even today release parachute dandelions into the sky. New parachute and rifle systems were developed for paratroopers - the mass-produced AK-74 was “cut down” to the AKS-74U with a shortened barrel and a folding butt. They began to land not only people, but also military equipment- due to the enormous weight, parachute systems were developed from several domes with the placement of jet thrust engines, which worked for a short period of time when approaching the ground, thus extinguishing the landing speed.

In 1969, the first of the domestic airborne combat vehicles was put into service. The floating tracked BMD-1 was intended for landing - including using parachutes - from An-12 and Il-76. In 1973, the world's first landing using the BMD-1 parachute system took place near Tula. The crew commander was Margelov’s son Alexander, who in the 90s received the title of Hero of Russia for a similar landing in 1976.

An indicative result of the reforms Airborne Forces Margelov and, in particular, is that in matters of landing our “winged guard” in the 90s, even the vaunted American “devil’s regiment” - the 82nd airborne division USA. At demonstration performances of its soldiers in 1991, where USSR Defense Minister Marshal was present Soviet Union D. T. Yazov, almost half of the paratroopers received severe injuries and injuries, and combat vehicles, after the “soft landing” they no longer moved.

Vests

In 1968, after the occupation of Czechoslovakia, Margelov managed to convince Defense Minister Marshal Grechko that the winged guard should have vests and berets. Even before this, he emphasized that the airborne troops must adopt the traditions of their “big brother” - the Marine Corps - and continue them with honor. “That’s why I introduced vests to the paratroopers. Only the stripes on them match the color of the sky - blue...”

When at a military council chaired by the Minister of Defense, Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union, Sergei Gorshkov spoke out against it, saying that paratroopers were “stealing” vests from sailors, Vasily Filippovich sharply objected to him: “I myself am in Marine Corps I fought and I know what paratroopers deserve and what sailors deserve!” And he fought with his “marines” famously - in offensive battles he often fought in the front ranks, thus raising the morale of his soldiers. Because of the fierce battles, the Nazis nicknamed the USSR Marines “striped death.”

30 minutes makes all the difference

During the Czechoslovak crisis in 1968, still during the preparation of Operation Danube, the 7th and 103rd guards divisions The airborne forces were fully mobilized and ready to land on the territory of Czechoslovakia at any moment. When on August 18, 1968, at a meeting of the Politburo of the CPSU Central Committee, the decision was finally made to send troops. It was not coordinated with the highest party and government authorities in Czechoslovakia. Therefore, the Airborne Forces commander was given absolute freedom actions.

The entire operation to seize airfields, secure the runway and set up take-off and landing equipment took 30 minutes. Subsequently, during his report to the USSR Minister of Defense, Margelov noted: “When the paratroopers broke into the building of the Zapotocki Academy, officers of the Czechoslovak People's Army sat over maps and plotted the position of our troops who had crossed the border. They were expected to arrive in Brno in the middle of the day.”

By influence on the perception of the subordinate structure mass consciousness Vasily Margelov can be compared to Yuri Andropov. If the term "public relations" existed in the Soviet Union, Airborne Forces Commander and the KGB chairman would probably be considered a great “signalman.”

Andropov clearly understood the need to improve the image of the department, which inherited the people's memory of the Stalinist repressive machine. Margelov had no time for image, but it was with him that the most famous films about the paratroopers who created them positive image. It was the commander who insisted that “In the zone special attention» fighters of Captain Tarasov’s group, conducting reconnaissance in the rear as part of an exercise conditional enemy, wore blue berets - a symbol of paratroopers, which obviously unmasked the scouts, but created an image.

Vasily Margelov died at the age of 81, several months before the collapse of the USSR. Four of Margelov’s five sons connected their lives with the army.

On August 2, blue water will splash across Russian cities, as will water from park fountains. The most connected branch of the military will celebrate the holiday. “Defend Russia” remembers the legendary “Uncle Vasya” - the same one who created the Airborne Forces in their modern form.

There were many commanders of the Airborne Forces, but they had one most important commander.

In July 1941, the future “Uncle Vasya” became a regiment commander in a people’s militia division, and 4 months later, from a very long distance—on skis—he began the creation of the Airborne Forces.

As the commander of a special ski regiment of the Marines of the Baltic Fleet, Margelov ensured that vests were transferred from the Marine Corps to the “winged” ones. Already division commander Margelov in 1944 became a hero of the Soviet Union for the liberation of Kherson. At the Victory Parade on June 24, 1945, the major general printed a step as part of the columns of the 2nd Ukrainian Front.

Margelov took charge of the Airborne Forces in the year following Stalin's death. Resigned from office three years before Brezhnev’s death - amazing example team longevity.

It was with his command that not only the main milestones in the formation of the airborne troops were associated, but also the creation of their image as the most combat-ready troops in the entire huge Soviet army.

Margelov was technically paratrooper number one not during his entire service. His history of relationships with the post of commander, and with the country and its regime, is similar to the career path of the commander-in-chief of the Soviet fleet Nikolai Kuznetsov. He also commanded with a short break: Kuznetsov had four years, Margelov two (1959-1961). True, unlike the admiral, who survived two disgraces, lost and received ranks again, Margelov did not lose, but only gained them, becoming an army general in 1967.

During the Great Patriotic War, the Airborne Forces were more tied to the land. The infantry became winged precisely under the command of Margelov.

Firstly, “Uncle Vasya” jumped himself. During his service he made more than 60 jumps - last time at 65 years old.

They began to land not only people, but also military equipment - due to the enormous weight, parachute systems were developed from several domes with the placement of jet thrust engines, which worked for a short period of time when approaching the ground, thus extinguishing the landing speed.

In terms of influence on the perception of the subordinate structure by the mass consciousness, Vasily Margelov can be compared with Yuri Andropov.

If the term “public relations” existed in the Soviet Union, the commander of the Airborne Forces and the chairman of the KGB would probably be considered classy “signalmen.”

Andropov clearly understood the need to improve the image of the department, which inherited the people's memory of the Stalinist repressive machine. Margelov had no time for image, but it was under him that the people who created their positive image came out. It was the commander who insisted that “In the zone of special attention” the soldiers of Captain Tarasov’s group, as part of the exercises conducting reconnaissance behind the enemy lines, wear blue berets - a symbol of paratroopers, which obviously unmasks the scouts, but creates an image.

Vasily Margelov died at the age of 81, several months before the collapse of the USSR. Four of Margelov’s five sons connected their lives with the army.

Vasily Filippovich Margelov (December 27, 1908 (January 9, 1909 according to the new style), Ekaterinoslav, Russian empire- March 4, 1990, Moscow) - Soviet military leader, commander of the airborne troops in 1954-1959 and 1961-1979, Hero of the Soviet Union (1944), laureate of the USSR State Prize (1975).

Author and initiator of creation technical means Airborne Forces and methods of using units and formations of airborne troops, many of which personify the image of the Airborne Forces of the USSR Armed Forces and the Russian Armed Forces that currently exists. Among the people associated with these troops, he is considered Trooper No. 1.

Biography

Youth years

V. F. Markelov (later Margelov) was born on December 27, 1908 (January 9, 1909 according to the new style) in the city of Yekaterinoslav (now Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine), in a family of immigrants from Belarus. By nationality - Belarusian. Father - Philip Ivanovich Markelov, metallurgist. (Vasily Filippovich’s surname Markelov was subsequently written down as Margelov due to an error in the party card.)

In 1913, the Margelov family returned to the homeland of Philip Ivanovich - to the town of Kostyukovichi, Klimovichi district (Mogilev province). V.F. Margelov’s mother, Agafya Stepanovna, was from the neighboring Bobruisk district. According to some information, V.F. Margelov graduated from the parochial school (CPS) in 1921. As a teenager, he worked as a loader, carpenter, and delivered mail. In the same year, he entered the leather workshop as an apprentice and soon became an assistant master. In 1923, he became a laborer at the local Khleboproduct. Joined the Komsomol. There is information that he graduated from a rural youth school and worked as a forwarder delivering mail on the Kostyukovichi - Khotimsk line.

From 1924 to Komsomol voucher worked in Yekaterinoslav at the mine named after. M.I. Kalinin as a laborer, then a horse driver (driver of horses pulling trolleys). Due to health reasons, he was forced to change jobs.

In 1925 he was sent again to Belarus, as a forester at a timber industry enterprise. I inspected the many kilometers of forested land every day, on horseback in the summer and on skis in the winter. After some time, thanks to Margelov’s efforts, none of the poachers encroached on his plot. He worked in Kostyukovichi, in 1927 he became chairman of the working committee of the timber industry enterprise - SKhLR (Kostyukovichi). Elected Member local council and appointed chairman of the tax commission, appointed commissioner for Komsomol line on work among farm laborers and on military work. Became a candidate member of the party.

Start of service

Drafted into the Red Army in 1928. On a Komsomol voucher, he was sent to study at the United Belarusian Military School (UBVSH) named after. Central Election Commission of the BSSR in Minsk. From the first months of his studies, cadet Margelov was among the excellent students in fire, tactical and physical training. He was assigned to a sniper group. He enjoyed well-deserved authority among his schoolmates and was distinguished by his zeal in his studies. From the second year he was appointed foreman of a machine gun company. After some time, his company became one of the foremost in both combat and physical training. 1929 - transferred to full members CPSU(b) (i.e. received a party card). He was a member of the bureau of the Komsomol cell of the OBVSh, and conducted Komsomol education. 1930 – elected member of the bureau of the VKP(b) cell.

April 1931 - graduated from the Minsk Military School (former United Belarusian military school(OBVSH) named after the Central Executive Committee of the BSSR) “first class” (“with honors”). Appointed commander of a machine gun platoon of the 99th regimental school rifle regiment 33rd Territorial Rifle Division (Mogilev, Belarus). From the first days of commanding a platoon, he established himself as a competent, strong-willed and demanding commander. After some time, he became a platoon commander at a regimental school where junior commanders of the Red Army were trained.

Since 1933 - platoon commander at the Minsk Military Infantry School named after. M.I. Kalinina. In February 1934 he was appointed assistant company commander, in May 1936 - commander of a machine gun company. Within the walls of the school he developed as a military teacher, teaching classes in fire, physical training and tactics. From October 25, 1938 - Captain Margelov commanded the 2nd battalion of the 23rd Infantry Regiment of the 8th Infantry Division named after. F.E. Dzerzhinsky of the Belarusian Special Military District. He headed the reconnaissance of the 8th Infantry Division, being the head of the 2nd division of the division headquarters.

During the wars

During the Soviet-Finnish War (1939-1940) he commanded the Separate Intelligence Unit ski battalion 596th Infantry Regiment of the 122nd Division. During one of the operations he captured Swedish officers General Staff. On March 21, 1940, Margelov received military rank"Major".

After the end of the Soviet-Finnish War, he was appointed to the position of assistant commander of the 596th regiment for combat units. Since October 1940 - commander of the 15th separate disciplinary battalion (15 ODISB). On June 19, 1941, he was appointed commander of the 3rd Infantry Regiment of the 1st Motorized Rifle Division (the core of the regiment was made up of soldiers of the 15th ODISB). The regiment was stationed in Berezovka.

November 21, 1941 - appointed commander of the 1st Special Ski Regiment of Red Banner Baltic Fleet sailors. Contrary to talk that Margelov “wouldn’t fit in,” the Marines accepted the commander, which was especially emphasized by addressing him by the naval equivalent of the rank of “major” - “Comrade Captain 3rd Rank.” The prowess of the “brothers” sank into Margelov’s heart. In order for the paratroopers to adopt the glorious traditions of their older brother, the Marine Corps, and continue them with honor, Vasily Filippovich ensured that the paratroopers received the right to wear vests. After the battles on Lake Ladoga he was in the hospital for some time.

From January 22, 1942 - was appointed commander of the 218th Infantry Regiment of the 80th Infantry Division of the 54th Army Leningrad Front. He achieved the transfer of fighters from the 15th ODISB to the regiment.

July 1942 - took command of the 13th Guards Rifle Regiment of the 3rd Guards Rifle Division.

From January 10, 1944 - ID of the commander of the 49th Guards Rifle Division of the 28th Army of the 3rd Ukrainian Front. He was in the hospital for some time.

March 25, 1944 - confirmed in his position as commander of the 49th Guards Rifle Division.

He led the division's actions during the crossing of the Dnieper and the liberation of Kherson, for which in March 1944 he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Under his command the 49th Guards rifle division participated in the liberation of the peoples of South-Eastern Europe.

In the airborne troops

January 29, 1946 - February 1948 - studied at the Higher Military Academy of the General Staff Armed Forces USSR named after K. E. Voroshilov. From the graduation certificate: “Comrade. Margelov, a disciplined, strong-willed, decisive and well-trained general. Possesses perseverance and assertiveness in work. Healthy. Politically and morally stable. Modest in everyday life and a good friend. He took an active part in the party and political life of the course.”

April 30, 1948 - an order was signed appointing Major General V.F. Margelov as commander of the 76th Guards Chernigov Red Banner Airborne Division. May 19, 1948 - confirmed as commander of the 76th Guards Chernigov Red Banner Airborne Division. April 15, 1950 - for the successes of the 76th Guards Chernigov Red Banner Airborne Division in combat training, its commander, Major General V.F. Margelov, by order of the Minister of the Armed Forces, was appointed commander of the 37th Guards Airborne Svir Red Banner Corps to the Far East .

May 31, 1954 - appointed by order of the Minister of Defense as Commander of the Airborne Forces. From 1954 to 1959 - Commander of the Airborne Forces. In 1959-1961 - appointed with demotion, First Deputy Commander of the Airborne Forces. From 1961 to January 1979 - returned to the post of Commander of the Airborne Forces. In a private conversation with Lieutenant General S. M. Zolotov, the Minister of Defense of the USSR, Marshal of the Soviet Union A. A. Grechko, admitted that the decision to demote General Margelov was a mistake by the military leadership.

October 25, 1967 - by resolution of the Council of Ministers, Airborne Forces Commander V.F. Margelov was awarded the high military rank of “Army General.” He led the actions of the Airborne Forces during the entry of troops into Czechoslovakia (Operation Danube).

December 4, 1968 – by decision of the Council Military Order Lenin Red Banner Order of Suvorov Academy named after M. V. Frunze was awarded to V. F. Margelov academic degree candidate of military sciences.

January 9, 1979 - appointed inspector general of the general inspection under the USSR Minister of Defense, supervising the Airborne Forces. He continued to go on business trips to his troops, and was the chairman of the State Examination Commission at the Ryazan Airborne School.

During his service in the Airborne Forces he made more than 60 jumps. The last of them is at the age of 65.

“Anyone who has never in his life left an airplane, from where cities and villages seem like toys, who has never experienced the joy and fear of a free fall, a whistle in his ears, a stream of wind hitting his chest, will never understand the honor and pride of a paratrooper...”

Lived and worked in Moscow. Died March 4, 1990. He was buried at the Novodevichy cemetery in Moscow.

Contribution to the formation and development of the Airborne Forces

General Pavel Fedoseevich Pavlenko:

"In history Airborne troops, and in the Armed Forces of Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union, his name will remain forever. He personified an entire era in the development and formation of the Airborne Forces; their authority and popularity are associated with his name not only in our country, but also abroad. Even American paratroopers considered him the main and first paratrooper on an international scale and expressed their respect.

Some may doubt my objectivity when presenting the role of V.F. Margelov in the development of the Airborne Forces and his qualities as a military leader. He served with him, they say, for about three decades and praises him. What can I say? Only one thing: my conscience is clear.

They may ask: did the other airborne commanders who preceded him work little to strengthen their power and weight in the Armed Forces? After all, after the end of the Great Patriotic War, the troops were commanded by such prominent military leaders as Air Marshal S.I. Rudenko, Army General A.V. Gorbatov and others. Yes, they undoubtedly contributed to the development of this young branch of the military. But they failed to take the right strategic course in their development. And not only because they were in command for a short time.

Like none of them, V.F. Margelov realized that in modern operations only highly mobile landing forces capable of wide maneuver could operate successfully deep behind enemy lines. He categorically rejected the idea of holding the area captured by the landing force until the approach of troops advancing from the front using the method of rigid defense as disastrous, because in this case the landing force would be quickly destroyed. Personal courage and the highest performance - character traits and inherent qualities of V.F. Margelova. Everyone who knew him had no doubt that he received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for personal courage in the war, daring and courageous exploits, and not for the heroism of his subordinates, as happened with some other bosses. Moreover, Vasily Filippovich always behaved very modestly when communicating with equals and subordinates, not to mention superiors, and never talked about himself, about his merits and exploits, considering all this simply an honest performance of duty.”

Colonel Nikolai Fedorovich Ivanov:

Under the leadership of Margelov for more than twenty years, the airborne troops became one of the most mobile in the combat structure of the Armed Forces, prestigious for service in them, especially revered by the people... A photograph of Vasily Filippovich in demobilization albums was sold to soldiers at the highest price - for a set of badges. Competition in Ryazanskoye airborne school overlapped the numbers of VGIK and GITIS, and applicants who failed in exams lived for two or three months, before snow and frost, in the forests near Ryazan in the hope that someone would not withstand the load and it would be possible to take his place. The spirit of the troops was so high that the rest of the Soviet Army was classified as “solars” and “screws”.

Margelov’s contribution to the formation of the airborne troops in their current form was reflected in the comic decoding of the abbreviation Airborne Forces - “Uncle Vasya’s Troops.”

Theory of combat use

An important matter The commander, his Headquarters and the Airborne Forces Directorate were constantly working on the development of the theory of combat use of troops, which by that time, using the experience of using airborne assaults V past war, was significantly ahead of the organizational structure of the troops and capabilities military transport aviation. Military theory At that time, it was believed that the widespread use of airborne assaults was necessary to immediately use nuclear strikes and maintain a high rate of attack. Under these conditions, the Airborne Forces had to fully comply with military strategic goals modern warfare and meet the military-political goals of the state.

The commander understood this better than anyone else. He said: “To fulfill our role in modern operations, it is necessary that our formations and units be highly maneuverable, covered with armor, have sufficient fire efficiency, be well controlled, capable of landing at any time of the day and quickly proceed to active combat operations after landing. Here, by and large, an ideal to which we should strive."

For these purposes, the Commander demanded the development of a concept of the role and place of the Airborne Forces in modern strategic operations in various theaters of war. However, he not only demanded, but also personally became involved in the development of the theory of the use of landings and defended candidate's thesis about this theme. By the decision of the Council of the Military Order of Lenin, Red Banner Order of Suvorov Academy. M. V. Frunze Vasily Filippovich Margelov was awarded the academic degree of Candidate of Military Sciences. Candidate of Science diploma number 800 issued on December 4, 1968. The dissertation is kept in the special department of the same Military Academy where the defense took place.

The theory was supported by practice - exercises and commander training sessions were held regularly. In addition to his dissertation, V. F. Margelov wrote a number of works related to the development of the concept of development of the Airborne Forces, as well as aimed at increasing their prestige.

Armament

Having assumed the post of Commander, Margelov received troops consisting mainly of infantry with light weapons and military transport aviation (as an integral part of the Airborne Forces), which was equipped with Li-2, Il-14, Tu-2 and Tu-2 aircraft. 4 with significantly limited landing capabilities. In fact, the Airborne Forces were not capable of solving major problems in military operations. It was necessary to overcome the gap between the theory of the combat use of airborne forces and the existing organizational structure troops, as well as the capabilities of military transport aviation.

Commander Margelov devoted a lot of time and effort to the development of airborne equipment. “You can’t order technology,” he often repeated when setting tasks for his subordinates on these important issues“Therefore, strive to create reliable parachutes in the design bureau, industry, and trouble-free operation of heavy airborne equipment during testing.” He himself contributed in every possible way to the creation at existing enterprises of the military-industrial complex (MIC) of areas for the serial production of landing equipment, heavy parachute platforms, parachute systems and containers for landing cargo up to 500 kg, cargo and human parachutes, parachute devices.

Modifications were created for paratroopers small arms, simplifying its landing by parachute - less weight, folding butt.

Especially for the needs of the Airborne Forces in post-war years new military equipment was developed and modernized: airborne, self-propelled artillery installation ASU-76 (1949), light ASU-57 (1951), amphibious ASU-57P (1954), self-propelled gun ASU-85, tracked combat vehicle of the Airborne Forces BMD-1 (1969). After the first batches of the BMD-1 entered service with the troops, a family of weapons was developed on its basis: Nona self-propelled artillery guns, artillery fire control vehicles, R-142 command and staff vehicles, R-141 long-range radio stations, anti-tank systems, and a reconnaissance vehicle. Anti-aircraft units and subunits were also equipped with armored personnel carriers, which housed crews with portable systems and ammunition.

By the end of the 50s, new An-8 and An-12 aircraft were adopted and entered service with the troops, which had a payload capacity of up to 10-12 tons and a sufficient flight range, which made it possible to land large groups personnel with standard military equipment and weapons. Later, through the efforts of Margelov, the Airborne Forces received new military transport aircraft - An-22 and Il-76.

At the end of the 50s, parachute platforms PP-127 appeared in service with the troops, designed for parachute landing of artillery, vehicles, radio stations, engineering equipment, etc. Parachute-jet landing equipment was created, which, due to the jet thrust created by the engine, made it possible to increase the speed landing load to zero. Such systems made it possible to significantly reduce the cost of landing by eliminating a large number of large-area domes.

The whole complex of these complex issues the new Airborne Forces Commander had to work closely. General Margelov immediately established close contacts with research institutes, design bureaus, designers, scientists, repeatedly visited enterprises, design bureaus and research institutes, invited designers and scientists to the troops. The creators of new equipment saw the deep interest of the Commander and constantly felt his practical help and moral support in the creation and testing of new models of equipment.

If the designers willingly met the requests of the Commander, then in the “upper echelons of power,” including the Ministry of Defense, everything had to be achieved, explaining the need to equip the Airborne Forces with the most modern samples equipment and weapons. The commander always and everywhere proved that the paratrooper, performing his dangerous combat missions isolated from the main troops, he risks his neck. So, if he has to give his life, then it must go to the enemy very dearly. But still, he considered the main thing to be fulfilling the combat mission in the interests of the main forces and returning home with victory.

On January 5, 1973, for the first time in world practice, the USSR carried out a parachute-platform landing in the Centaur complex from an An-12B military transport aircraft of a BMD-1 tracked armored combat vehicle with two crew members on board. The crew commander was the son of Vasily Filippovich, senior lieutenant Margelov Alexander Vasilyevich, and the driver-mechanic was Lieutenant Colonel Zuev Leonid Gavrilovich.

On January 23, 1976, also for the first time in world practice, a BMD-1 landed from the same type of aircraft and made a soft landing on a parachute-rocket system in the Reaktavr complex, also with two crew members on board - Major Alexander Vasilyevich Margelov and Lieutenant Colonel Leonid Shcherbakov Ivanovich. The landing was carried out at great risk to life, without individual funds salvation. Twenty years later, for the feat of the seventies, both were awarded the title of Hero of Russia.

Family

Father - Philip Ivanovich Markelov - a metallurgist, became a holder of two St. George's Crosses in the First World War.

Mother - Agafya Stepanovna, was from Bobruisk district.

Two brothers - Ivan (eldest), Nikolai (younger) and sister Maria.

V.F. Margelov was married three times: his first wife, Maria, left her husband and son (Gennady); second wife - Feodosia Efremovna Selitskaya (mother of Anatoly and Vitaly); last wife - Anna Aleksandrovna Kurakina, doctor. I met Anna Alexandrovna during the Great Patriotic War.

Five sons:

Gennady Vasilievich (born 1931) - Major General.
Anatoly Vasilievich (1938-2008) - doctor technical sciences, professor, author of more than 100 patents and inventions in the military-industrial complex.
Vitaly Vasilyevich (born 1941) - professional intelligence officer, employee of the KGB of the USSR and the SVR of Russia, later - a social and political figure; Colonel General, Deputy of the State Duma.
Vasily Vasilyevich (1943-2010) - reserve major; First Deputy Director of the Directorate international relations Russian State Broadcasting Company "Voice of Russia" (RGRK "Voice of Russia")
Alexander Vasilyevich (born 1943) - Airborne Forces officer. August 29, 1996 “for the courage and heroism shown during testing, fine-tuning and mastering special equipment"(landing inside a BMD-1 using a parachute-jet system in the Reaktavr complex, carried out for the first time in world practice in 1976) awarded the title of Hero Russian Federation. After retiring, he worked in the structures of Rosoboronexport.

Vasily Vasilyevich and Alexander Vasilyevich are twin brothers. In 2003, they co-authored a book about their father - “Paratrooper No. 1, Army General Margelov.”

Awards and titles

USSR awards

Medal " Golden Star» No. 3414 Hero of the Soviet Union (03/19/1944)
four Orders of Lenin (03/21/1944, 11/3/1953, 12/26/1968, 12/26/1978)
Order of the October Revolution (4.05.1972)
two Orders of the Red Banner (02/3/1943, 06/20/1949)
Order of Suvorov, 2nd degree (1944)
two Orders of the Patriotic War, 1st degree (01/25/1943, 03/11/1985)
Order of the Red Star (3.11.1944)
two Orders “For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR” 2nd (12/14/1988) and 3rd degree (04/30/1975)
medals
Awarded twelve Commendations Supreme Commander-in-Chief (13.03.1944, 28.03.1944, 10.04.1944, 4.11.1944, 24.12.1944, 13.02.1945, 25.03.1945, 3.04.1945, 5.04.1945, 13.04.1945, 13.04.1945, 8.05.1945).

Awards from foreign countries

order " People's Republic Bulgaria" 2nd degree (09/20/1969)
four Bulgarian anniversary medals (1974, 1978, 1982, 1985)

Hungarian People's Republic:

star and badge of the Order of the Hungarian People's Republic, 3rd degree (04/04/1950)
medal "Brotherhood in Arms" gold degree (09/29/1985)

Order "Star of Friendship of Peoples" in silver (02/23/1978)
Arthur Becker medal in gold (05/23/1980)

medal "Sino-Soviet Friendship" (02/23/1955)

Cuba:

two anniversary medals (1978, 1986)

Mongolian People's Republic:

Order of the Red Banner of Battle (06/07/1971)
seven anniversary medals (1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1979, 1982)

medal “For the Odra, Nisa and the Baltic” (05/07/1985)
medal "Brotherhood in Arms" (10/12/1988)
Officer of the Order of the Renaissance of Poland (11/6/1973)

SR Romania:

Order of Tudor Vladimirescu 2nd (10/1/1974) and 3rd (10/24/1969) degrees
two anniversary medals (1969, 1974)

Order of the Legion of Honor, commander degree (05/10/1945)
medal "Bronze Star" (05/10/1945)

Czechoslovakia:

Order of Klement Gottwald (1969)
Medal "For Strengthening Friendship in Arms" 1st class (1970)
two anniversary medals

Honorary titles

Hero of the Soviet Union (1944)
Laureate of the USSR State Prize (1975)
Honorable Sir Kherson
Honorary Soldier of the Airborne Forces Military Unit

Proceedings

A young, developing branch of the military. Hero of the Soviet Union, Lieutenant General V. Margelov. "Red Star", 12/28/1957. To the 40th anniversary of the USSR Armed Forces.
Airborne troops are improving their skills. Colonel General V. Margelov, Hero of the Soviet Union, commander of the Airborne Forces. “Equipment and weapons” No. 5, 1963, 96 pp., pp. 8-11, price 35 kopecks.
Be on the cutting edge. Colonel General V. Margelov, Hero of the Soviet Union, commander of the Airborne Forces. "Military Bulletin" No. 8, 1963, 128 pages, pp. 29-31, price 30 kopecks.
Improve the field training of paratroopers. "Military Bulletin" No. 5, May 1964, 128 pp., pp. 6-9, price 30 kopecks.
Winged troops. V. Margelov, Colonel General. " Nuclear Age and war." Military reviews. Publishing house "Izvestia", Moscow, 1964, pp. 145-150, circulation 100,000 copies.
Winged infantry. Colonel General V. Margelov, GSS, Commander of the Airborne Forces Soviet army. “Wings of the Motherland” No. 8, August 1965, pp. 2-3, price 30 kopecks.
Airborne troops. Colonel General V. Margelov. “Military Bulletin” No. 7, 1967, 128 pages, pp. 3-9, price 30 kopecks.
Airborne troops of the Soviet Army. Colonel General V. Margelov. “Military Thought” No. 8, 1967, pp. 13-20.
Our homeland can rely on us. Conversation with the commander of the USSR Airborne Forces, Hero of the Soviet Union, Army General V.F. Margelov. Bulletin for Komsomol newspapers No. 15, two pages. The conversation was conducted by L. Pleshakov.
Air Guard. V. F. Margelov, Army General. The interview was conducted by E. Mesyatsev. Collection “Get in line!”, pp. 41-48. Publishing house of the Komsomol Central Committee “Young Guard”, December 1967, 256 pages with illustrations, circulation 100,000 copies.
Guards attack from the sky. V.F. Margelov, Army General, Commander of the Airborne Forces, GSS. “Smena” No. 18, September 1968, pp. 3-7.
Courage and training. Army General V. Margelov, Commander of the Airborne Forces of the Soviet Army, GSS, Ph.D. “Ogonyok” No. 8, February 1970, p. 16, circulation 1,970,000, price 30 kopecks.
Troops of courage and skill. Army General V. Margelov, Candidate of Military Sciences. “Military Bulletin” No. 7, 1970, 128 pages, pp. 10-13 (on page 13 photo “Commander of the Airborne Forces, Army General V. Margelov, presents the Lenin anniversary certificate of honor to the commander of the guard formation, Major General V. Kostylev), price 30 kopecks .
“Swiftness, courage, audacity...” Commander of the Airborne Forces, Army General V.F. Margelov, Hero of the Soviet Union, Candidate of Military Sciences. Magazine "STAR SERGEANT", No. 7, 1970, pp. 10-11, price 15 kopecks.
Years of maturation of the winged guard. To the 40th anniversary of the Airborne Forces. Hero of the Soviet Union, Army General V. Margelov, Hero of the Soviet Union, commander of the Airborne Forces. "Communist of the Armed Forces", 96 pp., pp. 24-30, price 15 kopecks.
Landing character. Conversation with the commander of the Airborne Forces, GSS, Army General Vasily Filippovich Margelov. The conversation was conducted by Lieutenant Colonel A. Danilov. “Soviet Warrior” No. 4 1973, pp. 2-4, circulation 69,000 type. copy, price 20 kopecks.
Soviet Airborne Troops. General of the Army V.Margelov, Commander-in-Chief of the Airborne Troops and Hero of the Soviet Union answers questions put by “Soviet Military Review” correspondent major A.Bundyukov. “Soviet Military Review” No. 5, 1973, pp. 2-4, price 30 kopecks. Magazines in English and Arabic.
Development trends in the use of airborne assault forces. Hero of the Soviet Union, Army General, Candidate of Military Sciences V. MARGELOV. “Military Thought” No. 12, 1974, pp. 3-13.
Development of the theory of the use of airborne troops in the post-war period. Hero of the Soviet Union, Candidate of Military Sciences, General of the Army V.F. MARGELOV. “Military Historical Journal”, No. 1, 1977, pp. 53-59
In constant combat readiness. Army General V.F. MARGELOV, Commander of the Airborne Forces, Hero of the Soviet Union, Candidate of Military Sciences. "Military Bulletin", No. 7, 1977, pp. 61-65.
Airborne troops. V.F. Margelov. Publishing house "Znanie", Moscow, 1977. Library of 60 years of the Soviet Army and Navy 1918-1978, 64 pages, edition 50,000 copies, price 10 kopecks.
Soviet Airborne. Editorial committee: D.S. Sukhorukov (chairman), P.F. Pavlenko, I.I. Bliznyuk, S.M. Smirnov. Team of authors: Candidate of Military Sciences V.F. Margelov (supervisor), Candidate of Historical Sciences I.I. Lisov, Ya.P. Samoilenko, V.I. Ivonin. Military-historical essay, Order of the Red Banner of Labor Military Publishing House of the USSR Ministry of Defense, Moscow-1980, 312 pp., range. 40,000 copies, price 1 rub. 20 kopecks
Soviet Airborne. Team of authors: Candidate of Military Sciences V.F. Margelov (supervisor), Candidate of Historical Sciences I.I. Lisov, Ya.P. Samoilenko, V.I. Ivonin. Editorial committee: D.S. Sukhorukov (chairman), S.M. Smirnov. Military-historical essay, 2nd edition, corrected and expanded, Moscow, Military Publishing House, 1986, 400 pp., dash. 30,000 copies, price 1 rub. 50 kopecks
The will to win. Army General V.F. Margelov, Hero of the Soviet Union, “Red Star”, 01/19/1984, p. 2.
In distant garrisons closer perspective. Advice to a young officer. Army General V. Margelov, Hero of the Soviet Union. “Military Bulletin”, organ of the USSR Ministry of Defense, No. 2, 1984, Krasnaya Zvezda publishing house, pp. 51-53, total 96 pages, price 40 kopecks.
WE ARE THE PATRONS. Army General V.F. Margelov, “Week”, No. 19 (1259), 1984.
An unfading feat. Hero of the Soviet Union, Army General V.F. Margelov (on Victory Day). " Soviet warrior"No. 8, April 1984, pp. 4-5, price 30 kopecks.
A word to the reader. Army General V.F. Margelov, Hero of the Soviet Union. introduction to the book by I.I. Gromov and V.N. Pigunov “The paratroopers went into battle,” pp. 3-4. Minsk “Belarus”, 1989, 223 pp., 8 sheets. ill., circulation 30 thousand copies, price 1 rub. 20k.

Memory

Monument at Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow
Monument to V. F. Margelov in Dnepropetrovsk
Russian postal card, 2008
By order of the USSR Minister of Defense dated April 20, 1985, V. F. Margelov was enrolled as an Honorary Soldier in the lists of the 76th Pskov Airborne Division.
Monuments to V. F. Margelov were erected in Tyumen, Krivoy Rog (Ukraine), Kherson, Dnepropetrovsk (Ukraine), Chisinau (Moldova), Kostyukovichi (Belarus), Ryazan and Seltsy ( The educational center Institute of Airborne Forces), Omsk, Tula, St. Petersburg, Ulyanovsk. Officers and paratroopers, veterans of the Airborne Forces every year come to the monument of their commander at the Novodevichy cemetery in Moscow to pay tribute to his memory.
The Ryazan Military Institute of Airborne Forces, the Airborne Forces Department of the Combined Arms Academy of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and the Nizhny Novgorod Cadet Boarding School (NKSHI) are named after Margelov.
A square in Ryazan, streets in Vitebsk (Belarus), Omsk, Pskov, Tula and Western Litsa are named after Margelov.
During the Great Patriotic War, a song was composed in V. Margelov’s division.
By Order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation No. 182 of May 6, 2005, the departmental medal of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation “Army General Margelov” was established. In the same year, on a house in Moscow, in Sivtsev Vrazhek Lane, where Margelov lived the last 20 years of his life, Memorial plaque.
In honor of the centenary of the birth of the Commander, 2008 was declared the year of V. Margelov in the Airborne Forces.
In 2009, the television series “Dad” was released, telling about the life of V. Margelov.
On February 21, 2010, a bust of Vasily Margelov was erected in Kherson. The bust of the general is located in the city center near the Youth Palace on Perekopskaya Street.
On June 5, 2010, a monument to the founder of the Airborne Forces (Airborne Forces) was unveiled in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. The monument was built with funds from former paratroopers living in Moldova.
On June 25, 2010, the memory of the legendary commander was immortalized in the Republic of Belarus (Vitebsk). The Vitebsk City Executive Committee, headed by Chairman V.P. Nikolaikin, in the spring of 2010 approved a petition from Airborne Forces veterans of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation to name the street connecting Chkalov Street and Pobedy Avenue General Margelov Street. On the eve of City Day, a new house was put into operation on General Margelov Street on which a memorial plaque was installed, the right to open which was given to the sons of Vasily Filippovich.
Monument to Vasily Filippovich, a sketch of which was made with famous photograph in the division newspaper, on which he, being appointed division commander of the 76th Guards. Airborne Division, preparing for the first jump, is installed in front of the headquarters of the 95th separate airmobile brigade (Ukraine).
The Blue Berets ensemble recorded a song dedicated to V.F. Margelov, assessing the current state of the Airborne Forces after his resignation as commander, which is called “Forgive us, Vasily Filippovich!”

sergsmir wrote in August 1st, 2015

Original taken from muravei_s in Vasily Margelov. Trooper No. 1

There are as many myths and tales as there are about “Uncle Vasya’s troops” about any other unit of the Russian army. It seems that strategic aviation flies the farthest, the presidential regiment paces like robots, the space forces can look beyond the horizon, the GRU special forces are the most terrible, and underwater strategic missile carriers are capable of destroying entire cities. But “there are no impossible tasks - there are airborne troops.” There were many commanders of the Airborne Forces, but they had one most important commander.

Vasily Margelov, “Uncle Vasya” is a legendary man. During his leadership, airborne divisions turned into elite troops capable of “redrawing” the map of Europe overnight.

Vasily Margelov was born in 1908. Until Ekaterinoslav became Dnepropetrovsk, Margelov worked at a mine, a stud farm, a forestry enterprise and a local deputy council. Only at the age of 20 did he join the army. Measuring career steps and kilometers on the march, he participated in the Polish campaign of the Red Army and the Soviet-Finnish War. In July 1941, the future “Uncle Vasya” became a regiment commander in a people’s militia division, and 4 months later, from a very long distance - on skis - he began the creation of the Airborne Forces.

Perhaps it was during the Great Patriotic War that he showed himself to be a brilliant military leader. What is the cost of one surrender without a fight to the “Soviet Skorzeny” (as the Germans called him) of the SS Panzer Corps divisions “Totenkopf” and “Great Germany” on May 12, 1945, which were ordered not to be allowed into the American zone of responsibility. An enemy driven into a corner is capable of much - there is nothing left to lose. For the SS men, retribution for the atrocities was inevitable, and new victims were inevitable. And the order was clear - capture or destroy.

“You’re unlikely to return home”

In 1950, already being a former warrior, Margelov took command of the Far Eastern Special Airborne Corps. At that time, airborne troops were not very popular. They were compared to penalty prisoners, and the abbreviation itself was deciphered: “You’re unlikely to return home.” It’s impossible to believe, but within a few months the Airborne Forces became the best part of the ground forces. Subsequently, the primitive equipment was replenished with a Kalashnikov assault rifle with a special folding butt so that it would not interfere with the opening of the parachute, lightweight aluminum armor, an RPG-16 anti-tank grenade launcher, and Centaur platforms for landing people in combat vehicles. And the fatalistic name was replaced in the 70s by “Uncle Vasya’s Troops,” as the Airborne Forces themselves called themselves, emphasizing the special warmth of feelings for their commander.

Margelov was technically paratrooper number one not during his entire service. His history of relationships with the post of commander, and with the country and its regime, is similar to the career path of the commander-in-chief of the Soviet fleet Nikolai Kuznetsov. He also commanded with a short break: Kuznetsov had four years, Margelov two (1959–1961). True, unlike the admiral, who survived two disgraces, lost and received ranks again, Margelov did not lose stars on his shoulder straps, but only grew them, becoming an army general in 1967.

First jump

During the training of paratroopers, Margelov paid special attention to parachute jumping. He himself first found himself under the dome only in 1948, already with the rank of general: “Until the age of 40, I vaguely understood what a parachute was; I never even dreamed of jumping. It happened on its own, or rather, as it should be in the army, by order. I am a military man, if necessary, I am ready to take the devil in my teeth. That’s how I had to, already being a general, make my first parachute jump. The impression, I tell you, is incomparable.” In the 1960s, after Yuri Gagarin's first flight into space and his parachute landing as a result of a malfunction during landing, the way was opened for Margelov and his winged guard to incredible aerial experiments. Soviet parachutists set absolute records: jumping from the stratosphere from a height of 23 km with immediate opening of the parachute, landing on the Caucasus and Pamir mountains.

Margelov significantly increased the mobility of the Airborne Forces (in Ukraine, for example, they are called airmobile troops). Actively working with the military-industrial complex, the commander achieved the entry into service of the An-22 and An-76 aircraft, which even today release parachute dandelions into the sky. New parachute and rifle systems were developed for paratroopers - the mass-produced AK-74 was “cut down” to the AKS-74U with a shortened barrel and a folding butt. They began to land not only people, but also military equipment - due to the enormous weight, parachute systems were developed from several domes with the placement of jet thrust engines, which worked for a short period of time when approaching the ground, thus extinguishing the landing speed.

An indicative result of Margelov’s Airborne Forces reforms, in particular, is that in matters of landing our “winged guard” in the 90s, even the vaunted American “devil’s regiment” - the 82nd US Airborne Division - could not compete. At the demonstration performances of its soldiers in 1991, where the Minister of Defense of the USSR, Marshal of the Soviet Union D.T. Yazov, was present, almost half of the paratroopers were seriously injured and mutilated, and the combat vehicles, after a “soft landing,” no longer moved.

Vests

When at a military council chaired by the Minister of Defense, Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union, Sergei Gorshkov spoke out against it, saying that paratroopers were “stealing” vests from sailors, Vasily Filippovich sharply objected to him: “I myself fought in the Marine Corps and I know what paratroopers deserve and what - sailors! And he fought with his “marines” famously - in offensive battles he often fought in the front ranks, thus raising the morale of his soldiers. Because of the fierce battles, the Nazis nicknamed the USSR Marines “striped death.”

30 minutes makes all the difference

During the Czechoslovak crisis in 1968, even during the preparation for Operation Danube, the 7th and 103rd Guards Airborne Divisions were fully mobilized and ready to parachute into Czechoslovakia at any moment. When on August 18, 1968, at a meeting of the Politburo of the CPSU Central Committee, the decision was finally made to send troops. It was not coordinated with the highest party and government authorities in Czechoslovakia. Therefore, the Airborne Forces commander was given complete freedom of action.

In terms of influence on the perception of the subordinate structure by the mass consciousness, Vasily Margelov can be compared with Yuri Andropov. If the term “public relations” existed in the Soviet Union, the commander of the Airborne Forces and the chairman of the KGB would probably be considered classy “signalmen.”

Andropov clearly understood the need to improve the image of the department, which inherited the people's memory of the Stalinist repressive machine. Margelov had no time for image, but it was under him that the most famous films about paratroopers were released, creating their positive image. It was the commander who insisted that, “In the zone of special attention,” the fighters of Captain Tarasov’s group, as part of an exercise conducting reconnaissance behind the lines of a mock enemy, wore blue berets - a symbol of paratroopers, which obviously unmasked the scouts, but created an image.

Vasily Margelov died at the age of 81, several months before the collapse of the USSR. Four of Margelov’s five sons connected their lives with the army.