Vyshne Bolshoe village, Volovsky District_x000D_ 06.05.1925 - 21.11.1985_x000D_ Rank: Red Army Soldier_x000D_ Brancho of Service: Artillery_x000D_ As I read and listen to stories about front-line soldiers, I often think about my great-grandfather, whom I never saw, because he died before I was born. My great-grandfather could tell me a lot about the events of those long-past years._x000D_ Today I would like to tell the story of my great-grandfather Yegor Podoprikhin, who courageously and steadfastly fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. My great-grandfather Yegor Podoprikhin was born on May 6, 1925. Yegor was named after George the Victorious. He was at school when the war started. He was barely 16 years old in 1941. Since there was virtually no way for him to go to the front (he was a minor), he added two years to his age, because he wanted to defend his Homeland, like his peers. When he was drafted into the Red Army, he was trained at an intelligence school. After becoming a scout, he began his military service. The place of service was determined on the 2nd Belorussian Front. On the way to the place of service, the soldiers arranged hand fights among themselfs. Despite his short stature, great-grandfather was stocky, and always remained the winner._x000D_ Every veteran who went througt the Great Patriotic War had his own feat. My great-grandfather was no exception. One day, he obeyed the order of the command of the unit and captured a prisoner ("language") - a very important officer. He turned out to be a Major of the German army, who provided important information about the location of German units. This information ensured the successful offensive of the Red Army. For this feat Yegor Podoprikhin was awarded the Order of Glory of the 3rd degree._x000D_ In the Battle of Berlin, he moved as a member of a reconnaissance group on motorcycles. They were ambushed. A battle ensued, great-grandfather was wounded by two bullets in the leg. After being treated in the hospital, in November of 1945, he returned to his native village Vyshne Bolshoe of the Volovsky District. He married my great-grandmother Maria. They had five sons Alexander, Nikolay, Vasily, Vladimir, Yuri and one daughter - my grandmother, Nadezhda Karlina, whom they raised decent people, despite the hardships of the post-war time._x000D_ My grandmother, for example, worked almost all her life as a Director of kindergarten. Despite his disability, my great-grandfather worked all his life as a tractor driver for the Rodina collective farm._x000D_ My great-grandfather died on November 21, 1985. Many years have passed since then. But every time we see his photo from the family album, my grandmother's eyes are covered with a haze. And I understand very well why, when there were celebrations in our house, my grandmother always raised a glass to the fact that there would be no war. This photo is very precious to our family. The picture was taken seventy years ago. This photo is the only memory of my great-grandfather. We, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, honor his memory and are grateful to him for his contribution to the Great Victory. And I wrote a poem dedicated to my great-grandfather._x000D_ Dedicated to my great-grandfather_x000D_ My great-grandfather Yegor in the forty-first_x000D_ He was called to the front, like everyone else._x000D_ Even if he was not a General, he was a_x000D_ Scout in the war, Even_x000D_ though he was not tall, he felled the_x000D_ Fascists like a forest._x000D_ Was taken prisoner by the "language" and not only,_x000D_ Like a bull in a melee._x000D_ Well, in the break between fights, He_x000D_ gave his comrades a fight._x000D_ Come out healthy guys:_x000D_ - Fight? Well, who's the hero here?_x000D_ And then_x000D_ my great-grandfather Egor comes Out of the crowd._x000D_ "Ivanitch, are you sure?"_x000D_ - Yes, I, well, let's get started.…_x000D_ Since then, he has been the strongest in the company,_x000D_ No one could compare to him._x000D_ The soldiers won the Victory!!!_x000D_ Thank you, family, God bless you all!_x000D_ I am proud that I had such a great-grandfather_x000D_ Author: Maria Ternovskaya, 15 years old_x000D_ Agronomist of the Lebedyansky District of the Lipetsk Region