Volkodav Ivan Nikolaevich_x000D_ Rank: Petty Officer_x000D_ Branch of service: Army, Air Force, the Coast Guard, thе Soviet NKVD, the Border Guard._x000D_ _x000D_ ‘I know that our country experienced the most terrible war of the 20th century. My grandfather Volkodav Ivan Nikolaevich, born in 1910 in Kuban region, came through the entire WWII, starting as a soldier and ending the Sergeant. Being heavily wounded and injured during the War, he died in 1985. _x000D_ Only miraculously survived photo proves his military youth along with some awards such the Medal of Honor, the Victory Medal and the Order of the Patriotic War of the 1st degree. _x000D_ My grandfather was a real hard worker. He never thought of writing a memoir, but when someone started talking about the War he always sighed heavily, and never ever wanted to talk about it. It seems to me the WWII lasted so long, and the Victory came at a very high price. _x000D_ Later he served for two more years, and after an honorable discharge he worked as a mechanic. _x000D_ There is an interesting fact that my grandfather had 4 sisters and 5 brothers. All of the brothers fought till the end of the War and survived. _x000D_ In my family’s photo album, grandfather's photo occupies a Special place. _x000D_ When I grow up and become a mother myself, I promise to show this photo to my children for them to know and remember about the War and the People who gave us the chance to live._x000D_ _x000D_ Marina Gerasimova, g. Bataysk.