Vasily Fedorovich Ilyin was born in 1924 in the village of Togul, Togulsky district, Altai Territory, in a large peasant family. He was drafted in 1942. He studied for six months in regimental school, promoted to Junior Sergeant, and he was sent to Baltic front where he joined 47th Nevelsk Division. He served in reconnaissance. He was awarded Order of Glory, III class for capturing 'informant'. He met Victory near Bucharest, Romania. He was awarded Order of Glory 1st class, Labor Red Banner" and 13 more medals for military and labor merits. After war he returned to his native place. For 18 years he was head of "Soviet Siberia", one of the most successful state farms in Altai region.