Seeing that the division commander Biryukov had stood up, Lukin and I did not dare to slack off, and hurriedly stood up as well, preparing to wait for Chuikov to stand up again, and then go outside together to meet Captain Slavin and them.

Unexpectedly, Chuikov sat still, and reached out to grab Bilyukov, who was about to walk out, and at the same time raised his head and said to the two of us: "Wait a minute, don't be busy walking, you two sit down first." ”

Bilyukov, who was pulled by him, asked with a surprised expression: "Comrade commander, the troops who participated in the night attack have returned, why don't we go out to meet them?" ”

Chuikov turned his head to Biliukov and said: "Comrade General, don't be impatient, anyway, the two commanders of the 678th Regiment are here, and since Slavin has returned, sooner or later we will find them to return to their lives, so let's continue to stay here and wait." ”

"But ......" Biryukov seemed to want to justify something, but seeing Chuikov's stern expression, he immediately closed his mouth and sat down obediently.

After waiting for Bilyukov to sit down, Chuikov explained to him: "General Bilyukov, now it is dark outside, and if we go out to greet us, there is not enough lighting, and we can't see anything clearly." But if we make the position brightly lit at this time, it will inevitably be discovered by the enemy in the distance, and if we attract enemy artillery fire, our losses will be great. ”

After listening to his explanation, Biryukov nodded thoughtfully, then looked at me and said, "But someone still needs to go out to meet them, otherwise Slavin and the others will run directly to the regimental command post." ”

When I heard Bilyukov say this, I quickly turned my head and instructed Lukin: "Comrade Captain, the task of going to meet Captain Slavin will be entrusted to you." You have to bring them here as much as you can. Lukin stood up and agreed. After saluting us separately, he turned and left.

When there were only three of us left in the room. Chuikov said to me with a stern expression: "Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina, although today's operation was successful, in private, I still want to criticize you. You took action without reporting to your superiors and getting approval. You know, tonight's operation is very risky, I don't know if you ever thought about it, if Captain Slavin was on the action. What should you do when you are discovered by the enemy, the sneak attack turns into a strong attack, and the troops are surrounded by superior enemy forces? Also, according to your original plan, after destroying the enemy in the baggage camp, you will bring back some ammunition to replenish our army, and blow up the rest. But now, when you see that the enemy's camp has so much ammunition, you don't want to waste it at all. I actually want to ship them all back. "At this point, he may have seen that my face was flushed with shame. Then he slowed down and said, "Have you ever thought that if the truck transporting ammunition is attacked by enemy artillery fire on the way back, the entire convoy will be ruined." In the whole plan, if there is even the slightest problem, then your actions tonight will end in failure. ”

After Chuikov finished training me, he turned his gaze to Bilyukov next to him and asked: "Comrade division commander, do you have anything to say to Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina?" ”

Biryukov nodded, took over the topic and said: "I agree with the commander, Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, your actions tonight are indeed too risky, if something goes wrong and the Germans attack overnight, our division will be in danger of being wiped out without defense." After he finished saying these words, he turned his head to look at Chuikov and asked tentatively: "Comrade commander, since Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina threw almost a regiment into battle without asking for instructions, her behavior is an example of disorganization and indiscipline, and she should be dealt with severely. However, in tonight's operation, we succeeded in capturing the enemy's baggage camp and capturing a large amount of weapons and ammunition to equip our troops, and this success is commendable. I don't know what your opinion is? ”

Chuikov lowered his head and thought for a while, and said: "I agree with General Biryukov's opinion that for Comrade Oshanina, there is no punishment or recognition for merit and demerit. However, for those commanders and fighters who participated in tonight's operation, commendation is necessary, Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina, you can sort out and report the list of meritorious personnel overnight, and I will have someone send their military medals tomorrow. "Although tomorrow's commendation is not mine, but when I heard that the commanders and fighters who participated in the battle tonight could be commended, the stone hanging in my heart fell to the ground.

At this moment, the voice of a report was heard at the door. I heard Lukin's voice, and hurriedly whispered to Chuikov and Biryukov: "Commander, division commander, Lukin has brought our hero here. ”

"Let them in," said Chuikov. ”

I nodded and stood up, shouting majestically in the direction of the entrance, "Come in!" ”

The curtain was raised, and Lukin was the first to enter, followed by several lieutenants. I could see, at a glance, that the captain standing next to Lukin was Slavin, with a brand-new German submachine gun on his chest, presumably the trophy of the evening. The lieutenants who followed were the company commanders of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th companies.

Lukin raised his hand to salute us and said: "Report to the commander, division commander, comrade regimental commander, I have been ordered to bring the triumphant return of Captain Slavin and several company commanders in the regiment to listen to your instructions!" ”

When Lukin finished his report, he turned to Captain Slavin next to him. Slavin immediately understood, stepped up, raised his hand and saluted us: "Report to the commander, division commander, comrade regiment commander, Captain Slavin, the commander of the seventh company, has successfully completed the night attack mission, and has come to report to you and listen to your orders!" ”

Although there were still two commanders in the room who were higher than me, on my one-acre and three-third of land, it was not their turn to give orders beyond the level for the time being, so I walked up to Slavin and asked with concern: "Captain Slavin, have all the troops who participated in the operation returned?" ”

Slavin nodded vigorously and replied excitedly: "Report to the head of the regiment, comrade, they are all back." Except for a few minor wounds, no fighters died. In addition to the twenty truckloads of ammunition that we had just brought back, we brought back forty truckloads this time. The ammunition that the trucks could not hold, but also our soldiers carried it back, and this time we completely emptied the enemy's baggage camp. ”

"Isn't there only twenty trucks, and where are twenty more?" When I heard that there were forty trucks, I couldn't help but ask curiously.

"Report to the regimental commander, after we occupied the enemy's camp, I asked the soldiers to change into German uniforms and continue to patrol the camp posing as the enemy. No sooner had the first shipment of ammunition arrived than an enemy convoy arrived. I sent a soldier who knew German to interrogate me, and I learned that it was to transport ammunition. When I saw that there were few of them, I was not polite and took all these enemies prisoner. ”

"Well done, Comrade Captain." Chuikov didn't know when he walked to my side, and when he heard Slavin's brilliant achievements, he couldn't help but praise loudly, "You deserve to be rewarded for your outstanding performance." I will soon personally award you the military medal you deserve. At this point, Chuikov turned his head and called me: "Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina." ”

I hurriedly agreed: "Comrade commander, what are your orders?" ”

"Immediately distribute the ammunition, and at the same time organize the fighters to quickly familiarize themselves with the use of these German equipment. When this qiē is done, let the soldiers seize the time to rest. I estimate that the enemy will not give up after suffering such a big loss, and tomorrow will definitely carry out a crazy revenge on us, and you must be prepared to deal with it. ”

Hearing what Chuikov had ordered, I hastened to reply: "Please rest assured, commander, I will immediately arrange for manpower to handle these things, so as to ensure that before dawn, the whole regiment will enter a state of first-class combat readiness." ”

At this time, Bilyukov came over and stood in front of his son, looking at each other intently. Just when we thought father and son would give a warm hug, Bilyukov put his hands on Slavin's shoulders and slapped them twice, with a smile of relief on his face. Then, he took his hand back, took a step back, turned to Chuikov and said, "Comrade commander, let's go." ”

When the two superiors left, I didn't talk nonsense, I just told them: "Everyone has heard the commander's orders clearly." You immediately go back to your troops, distribute ammunition to the fighters, quickly familiarize yourself with the German equipment, and prepare for tomorrow's battle. Do you understand? ”

The commanders in the room shouted in unison: "Understood! ”

"Disband!" (To be continued......)