Rank: Lieutenant_x000D_ Branch of troops: Ground Forces, Air Force (except naval aviation), coastal service, NKVD troops, border troops _x000D_ This is one of my grandfathers—Viktor Grigorievich Tikhonov. _x000D_ From the first days of the war, he was at the forefront in the city of Leningrad. From November 1942 he served in the Battalion as a Platoon Commander. His platoon, located in a combat facility, was three hundred meters from the enemy. Despite the continuous shelling, Grandfather and his platoon particularly distinguished in improving the area defense and turned it into an impregnable fortress by installing additional engineering obstacles. “Tracking down the enemy every day, comrade Tikhonov and his platoon destroyed up to 58 Finnish soldiers. He has 15 exterminated Finns on his personal account.” His garrison was one of the best garrisons in the Battalion. _x000D_ In the battles for the Motherland, the first time he was seriously wounded near Tikhvin. As a result, he ended up in the hospital. By the great conduct of the Lord, he fell into the hands of the surgeon Tikhonov Grigory Semyonovich, his own father and my great-grandfather. Who personally gave life to grandfather Victor for the second time! But for a real hero, this would be too simple an ending to the story. Further it was even more interesting. _x000D_ After recovering from his injury, Grandfather continued his liberation campaign. He went all the way to Berlin. And in victorious battles from the second to the fourth of February 1945 near the village of Greifenstein, Grandfather replaced the machine-gun company Commander, left the ranks. He skillfully organized the company and proved to be a bold, brave and courageous Commander. In the battle near Greifenstein with the soldiers of their company, they destroyed up to 200 enemy soldiers and officers. _x000D_ On 02/03/1945 in the Steinau area, when the enemy attacked our battle formations with forces of up to two infantry battalions supported by sixteen tanks, he personally organized the defense of the left flank of the Steinau village. And personally, in close combat with a machine gun in his hands, he destroyed 10 Germans. And also made anti-tank barricades in the street to block the path of enemy tanks. Enemy tanks were forced to pass along the flank, where they were knocked out (four of them) by our gunners. For this effort, Grandfather was awarded the Order of the Red Star! _x000D_ There is also another effort to commemorate: he, together with his friend, ensured the advancement of two battalions, destroying seven enemy bunkers ... Only two of them did that!!! _x000D_ In the photo, you can really see a twinkle in the eyes. My grandfather came home and continue his life with dignity, raising children and grandchildren. Viktor Grigorievich passed away old from battle wounds, at home. Eternal Glory!