Hearing my question, Chistyakov on the other end of the microphone replied in an excited tone: "Report to Comrade Division Commander!" Our troops have captured the settlements of Sverchikovo and Selishevo, and at present General Katukov's tank brigade is advancing towards the settlement of Martnovo, and I have also sent a battalion of Major Dulov to follow closely. ”

From his tone, I couldn't hear the slightest hint of falsehood, and I wanted to ask him directly if the war report he reported was true, and I was afraid of hurting his self-esteem, so I asked in a different way: "Comrade Colonel, where did you call me now?" "I was quite skillful in asking questions, knowing that Lu Dao was communicating with him on a wired telephone, not a walkie-talkie, and I could always call back and ask what it was.

"I'm in the Shelishewo settlement, and I've just joined up with the troops of the 354th Infantry Division, and I'm calling you from their headquarters." When I heard him report the number of the other unit, I knew that he had not lied about the military situation, but I still felt a little strange that they were able to recover the two settlements so quickly, so I asked curiously: "Comrade Colonel, I want to know how you managed to recover two settlements in a short period of time?" ”

"Comrade division commander, the Germans are the remnants of the fighting forces, not many in number, more than a hundred people in each of the two settlements. In the face of the fierce attack of the 354th Infantry Division, they were already somewhat unable to support it, and after seeing General Katukov's tank brigade rushing into the settlement, after firing a few shots, they gave up resistance and surrendered to our troops. ……”

"Well, I got it!" I answered, and then gave him an order: "You immediately rush to the settlement of Martnovo and cooperate with the attack of General Katukov." Remember, immediately after capturing the settlement, hand over the defense to friendly forces, and then you lead your troops back to Cumbre del Sol to strengthen the city's defenses, understand? ”

"Yes, mission guaranteed!" Colonel Chistyakov assured me loudly on the other end of the phone.

Putting down the phone, I explained to the commissar and Levyakin next to me: "I have verified, Colonel Chistyakov's report is accurate, our troops have captured two settlements of Sverchikovo and Selishevo, and at the moment the tank brigade and a battalion of infantry are attacking the last settlement. ”

Although he heard me say this, the political commissar still asked in a skeptical tone: "But this time is too fast, it is not possible that the Germans surrendered after just two shots, right?" ”

I smiled and replied, "My comrade commissar, don't believe me, that's how it is. The colonel reported that there were not many German troops left in the settlements after yesterday's fighting. They were already overwhelmed by the fierce attack of the 354th Infantry Division, and when they saw the attacking troops of our division attacking under the cover of the tank brigade, they knew that the general trend of the road was gone, and the stubborn enemy was forced to surrender to our troops after making a weak resistance. It was for this reason that Colonel Chistyakov's troops were able to recapture the settlements so quickly. ”

"I see!" After listening to my explanation, General Leviagin nodded thoughtfully, and the commissar did not speak, still frowning and looking down at the map in front of him.

At this moment, a communications soldier sitting next to the walkie-talkie suddenly called me: "Comrade division commander! The commander of the army group wants to speak to you! ”

I took the headset and microphone, and as soon as I reported my name, I heard Rokossovsky in the distance laugh and say, "Leda, congratulations!" I have just received a special briefing from the Supreme Command to the armies that the troops under your command have regained the city of Cumbre del Sol, which had been occupied by the enemy, after a stubborn battle. In recognition of your bravery and tenacity in the defense of Moscow and the great results you achieved, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Major General. ”

I'm a little embarrassed to hear Rokossovsky say that. After all, it was he who commanded the troops to fight fiercely with the Germans for a day yesterday, inflicting heavy losses and consuming a large number of enemy troops, and the night attack I commanded could be won so easily. Although he was congratulating me, I was still afraid that he would have any ideas, so I quickly explained: "Comrade commander, don't say that, if it weren't for the troops under your command attacking three settlements, pinning down the main forces of the German army there, and inflicting heavy losses and destroying most of the enemy, I think it is still a question of whether the night attack I organized last night would have been successful. I feel that this honor belongs to you, and I deserve it. ”

"Our heroine is actually shy, this is really rare!" Rokossovsky listened to my words and actually made a joke with me, and then he continued: "Although yesterday we fought for a day to capture the city of Cumbre del Sol, due to the enemy's superiority in technology and equipment, our troops were forced to retreat to the starting point of the offensive at the very least. If it weren't for the fact that you decisively led your troops in a surprise attack and stabbed the enemy from behind, maybe at this time our troops were still engaged in a tug-of-war with the enemy on the outskirts of the city, not to mention the recapture of the city. By the way, how is the situation in the three settlements now? ”

"Comrade Commander, I was just about to report to you. The assault force I sent has already recaptured the two settlements of Sverchikovo and Selishevo from the enemy, and at the moment General Katukov's tank brigade and a battalion of infantry are attacking the remaining Maltnovo. ”

"Well, well done!" Rokossovsky praised me and then asked: "When will the fighting end?" ”

Without thinking, I replied, "Half an hour at most." "I am not unapologetic in saying this, after all, Chistyakov's troops have two or three thousand men and tanks to attack the settlements that are only defended by one or two hundred enemies, and if he can't even defeat this, he, the colonel, will stop doing it, and report to the military court himself.

"How are you going to deploy your troops after seizing the settlements?" Rokossovsky asked again.

"After the troops have recovered all the settlements, the defense will be handed over to the 354th Infantry Division, and all the troops will return to the city of Cumbre del Sol to strengthen the defenses in response to a possible attack by the enemy."

"Well, Sun Hill City will be handed over to you, you must hold on to the city."

"Please rest assured, the commander, the people are in position, and as long as there is still one soldier alive in the Eighth Guards Division, the city of Mount del Sol will not be occupied by the Germans."

"Good luck!" With that, he cut off the communication.

After handing back the microphone and headset to the communications officer, I turned to Yegorov and Leviagin and said: "Comrade commissar, comrade general, judging by the current situation, the settlements will soon be recaptured, and I will leave for the headquarters of the front army to meet Comrade Zhukov." During the period of my absence, the affairs of the division were handed over to the two of them. ”

After hearing this, both of them nodded in understanding. Leviagin asked with concern: "Comrade division commander, how many guards do you have to bring with you to the front headquarters this time?" ”

"Not many," I said disapprovingly, "just let Grissa drive, and let the guard company commander take two fighters." ”

"There are now two guard company commanders at the division headquarters, Captain Yushchenko and Lieutenant Lamis, which one do you choose to go with?"

I mentally compared the two, and although I trusted Ramis more, in terms of ability, Yushchenko was slightly superior. This time I went to the front headquarters, I didn't know what kind of situation I would encounter on the way, but it was better to find an experienced person to accompany me safely, at least the safety was guaranteed, so I said without hesitation: "Let Yushchenko go with me, Ramis will stay in charge of the security work of the division headquarters, you are familiar with him, use it as a good hand." ”