Georgy Zhukov
Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov (Russian: Гео́ргий Константи́нович Жу́ков; IPA: [ɡʲɪˈorgʲɪj kənstɐnʲtʲinəvʲtɕ ˈʐukəf]; 1 December [O.S. 19 November] 1896 – 18 June 1974), was a career officer in the Red Army of the Soviet Union, who became Chief of General Staff, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Minister of Defence and member of Politburo. During World War II he participated in multiple battles, ultimately commanding 1st Belorussian Front in Battle of Berlin.
In recognition of Zhukov's role in World War II, he has been allowed to participate in signing German Instrument of Surrender and to inspect Moscow Victory Parade of 1945.
Early life and career
Born into a poverty-stricken peasant family in Strelkovka, Maloyaroslavsky Uyezd, Kaluga Governorate (now merged into the town of Zhukov in Zhukovsky District of Kaluga Oblast in modern-day Russia), Zhukov became an apprentice furrier in Moscow. In 1915 the Army of the Russian Empire conscripted him; he served first in the 106th Reserve Cavalry Regiment (then called the 10th Dragoon Novgorod Regiment). During World War I, Zhukov was awarded the Cross of St. George twice, and promoted to the rank of non-commissioned officer for his bravery in battle. He joined the Bolshevik Party after the 1917 October Revolution; in Party circles his background of poverty became a significant asset. After recovering from a serious case of typhus he fought in the Russian Civil War over the period 1918 to 1921, serving with the 1st Cavalry Army, among other formations. He received the decoration of the Order of the Red Banner for his part in subduing the Tambov rebellion in 1921.
