Russian veterans share stories during WWII: a military cap, medals and bombs

(ECNS) – “Young soldiers braved a hail of bullets, charging toward the Japanese invaders. Bang! Bang! Some soldiers fell, while others continued to surge forward.”

The wind was howling that day, Russian veteran Viktor Krivashov recounted the scenes on the battlefield during World War II.

“Our scouts spotted Japanese soldiers and threw grenades over. That’s how we slowly advanced.”

Krivashov’s experience is an epitome of countless soldiers — brave, fearless, resolute, and determined. 

Far from home, thousands of miles away, were the Soviet volunteer air force who supported China. Timofey Khryukin was one of them.

Under the alias "Hu Jintou," Timofey Khryukin and his comrades-in-arms carried out over a hundred bombing missions against Japanese forces.“Boom! One bomb struck a Japanese aircraft carrier! Boom! Another bomb hit the Japanese forces!”

Again and again, they soared through the skies like eagles, fiercely battling Japanese invaders to restore peace and tranquility. They forged a deep bond with the Chinese military, as profound as the Volga River.

Upon learning of his grandfather Ivan Mamsik’s stories in fighting against the Japan’s Kwantung Army, Yuri, grandson of the Soviet veteran, was deeply moved: “We felt sad at first, then proud of him. We're proud that our beloved grandpa fought for a just cause and sacrificed his life.” 

The great writer Leo Tolstoy observed in his work War and Peace: "History is the life of nations and of humanity." History carries collective memory while precious personal memories of those veterans are indispensable part of it, which will never fade away with the passage of time.

Eighty years have passed, the old photographs, weathered uniform epaulets, as well as timeworn military caps, all tell stories of courage and great compassion that transcend national borders. Those stories of standing together through storm and strife continue to be passed down through generations.