Aleksei Smirnov

Aleksei Makarovich Smirnov (28 February 1920 in Danilov – 7 May 1979 in Leningrad) was a Soviet and Russian theater and film actor. He performed in more than fifty films between 1959 and 1977. Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1976).

The Great Patriotic War

In 1941 he left for the front as a volunteer. He was a chemical instructor, then squad leader in the 3rd Artillery Battery, 169th Red Banner mortar regiment, 3rd Red Banner and Order of Lenin artillery division of Zhitomir. Aleksei Smirnov took part in the battles at the Western, Bryansk, 1st Ukrainian and 2nd Byelorussian Fronts, many times was sent for scouting behind the enemy lines. One of his award papers says he killed three fascists with his assault rifle. In the front line he once acted instead of his commander (which was down) and dispersed about two enemy squads by intensive mortar fire. When breaking through the enemy positions near the village of Onatskovsi on 4 March 1944 Smirnov and his squad eliminated a mortar battery, a turret machine-gun and about 30 enemy soldiers, which let them regain the village and further take possession of the town of Starokonstantinov on 9 March. In that action staff-sergeant Smirnov with his squad have destroyed 2 turret machine-guns, a 75-mm cannon and 35 enemy infantrymen. For his courage Aleksei Smirnov was nominated for the 1st class of the Order of the Patriotic War, but was instead awarded the lower grade Order of the Red Star.

On 20 July 1944 height 283.0 was assaulted by 40 German soldiers. Smirnov rushed into action inspiring his comrades and therefore defeated the attack. In that engagement 17 Germans were killed and 7 taken prisoners solely by Smirnov. A week after, Smirnov and his three fellow-soldiers were scouting for new fire positions and encountered 16 enemy soldiers who tried to capture them. But they encountered active opposition. Nine of them were killed and five taken prisoners by the Soviet soldiers. For that action Smirnov was awarded the 3rd class of the Order of Glory.

During the Vistula–Oder offensive on 17 January 1945, Smirnov's battery was ambushed near the village of Postashevitze. Smirnov with three fellow soldiers attacked the enemy. Aleksei Makarovich shot down three and captured two enemy soldiers and the way ahead was free. On 22 January, when the Soviet Army was crossing the Oder, Smirnov with his mortar squad ferried the river on their own and demolished two turret machine-guns and 20 enemy soldiers. The 36th Regiment therefore managed to gain and expand the bridgehead near the village of Eichenrid, and Smirnov was awarded the 2nd class of the Order of Glory. Showing great valour in the battlefield, Smirnov also led the regiment's amateur theatre. Only in May, June and July 1944 he organized 10 performances attended by total of 6500 soldiers. Smirnov's theatre took part in the division's contests in 1943 and 1944 and won the first prize. Within that period Aleksei Smirnov was awarded the Medal "For Battle Merit".

Starshina Smirnov was unable to be present at the Battle of Berlin. He received a concussion in one of his battles and, after stationary treatment, was demobilized.

During the Vistula–Oder offensive on 17 January 1945, Smirnov's battery was ambushed near the village of Postashevitze. Smirnov with three fellow soldiers attacked the enemy. Aleksei Makarovich shot down three and captured two enemy soldiers and the way ahead was free. On 22 January, when the Soviet Army was crossing the Oder, Smirnov with his mortar squad ferried the river on their own and demolished two turret machine-guns and 20 enemy soldiers. The 36th Regiment therefore managed to gain and expand the bridgehead near the village of Eichenrid, and Smirnov was awarded the 2nd class of the Order of Glory. Showing great valour in the battlefield, Smirnov also led the regiment's amateur theatre. Only in May, June and July 1944 he organized 10 performances attended by total of 6500 soldiers. Smirnov's theatre took part in the division's contests in 1943 and 1944 and won the first prize. Within that period Aleksei Smirnov was awarded the Medal "For Battle Merit".

Starshina Smirnov was unable to be present at the Battle of Berlin. He received a concussion in one of his battles and, after stationary treatment, was demobilized.