Vladimir Kurasov

Vladimir Vasilyevich Kurasov (Влади́мир Васи́льевич Кура́сов ) (July 7(19), 1897 - November 29, 1973) was a Soviet military leader, Chief of Staff of Kalinin Front (renamed as 1st Baltic Front) during World War II, reaching service rank of Army General, Hero of the Soviet Union.

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In the Russian Empire

Born in a Russian servant family in St. Petersburg. He graduated from the 8-years technical school. Worked in a factory. In 1915, recruited by the Russian army. In 1916 he graduated from Telavi warrant military school and sent to the army in the First World War. Fought on the Western Front as platoon commander.

Civil War and the interwar period

Since 1918 joined the Red Army. During the Russian Civil War he commanded a company and a detachment of sea-mans. Took the defense of Petrograd against the troops of Northwestern Front White Army headed by General Nikolai Yudenich in 1919.

In 1921 he graduated from the Military Pedagogical Institute (the former of Vladimir Lenin Political-Military Academy). In 1921–1929, he commanded a training company in the Petrograd Commanding course, then was an instructor of tactics at Oranienbaum commanding course, in the third Joint International course, the Leningrad Infantry School. Became the member of Soviet Commmunist Party since 1928.

In 1932 he graduated from the Mikhail Frunze Military Academy. Since 1932, he served in the headquarters of the Belorussian Military District. Since 1935 as chief of staff of 16th Rifle Corps.

In 1936–1938, he was the students of first session of General Staff Academy, and retained in the Academy as a senior instructor of tactics. Since 1940, was Head of Department, lately was the Deputy Chief of Operational Department of the Soviet General Staff.

Great Patriotic War

In the early months of Great Patriotic War, Colonel Kurasov worked at the General Staff. Promoted as Major General on October 28, 1941. In December 25, 1941 he was appointed Chief of Staff of 4th Shock Army (at the same time, Colonel General Yeremenko was appointed as the Army Commander) belonging to Northwestern Front and transferred into Kalinin Front on January 22, 1942. During Toropets–Kholm Offensive in January - February 1942, the Army troops moved nearly 300 kilometers in less than a month, an unprecedented result for the entire offensive phase of the Battle of Moscow. Since March 1942, Kurasov was appointed as Commanding General of the 4th Shock Army, which was at a relatively quiet section of Kalinin Front. Kurasov was promoted Lieutenant General on May 21, 1942.

From April 1943, Kurasov became Chief of Staff of Kalinin Front (on October 12, 1943, renamed as 1st Baltic Front). Played a prominent role in the development and implementation of Smolensk, Nevel, Gorodok operations in 1943. In the course of the Belarusian strategic operation in 1944 troops of 1st Baltic Front brilliantly conducted Vitebsk-Orsha and Polotsk frontline operations. Promoted Colonel General on June 28, 1944. The fall of 1944 again caused a stir in the Baltic operations in Riga and Memel directions.

Since January 1945 the Front's troops participated in the East Prussian strategic compaign, as well as independently conducted front-line operation to eliminate enemy Memel bridgehead and liberate the city of Memel (Klaipėda). In February 1945, due to reduced length of the war front, 1st Baltic Front was abolished and on the basis Samland Group was established belonging to 3rd Belorussian Front. Kurasov was appointed chief of staff of the group. In April 1945, troops of the group began Samland operation defeated the enemy on the Samland Peninsula, and in conjunction with the landing troops of Baltic Fleet on the spit Frisch-Nerung.

Postwar years

In June 1945, Kurasov appointed as Chief of Staff of the Soviet military administration in Germany. Then Deputy Chief of Central Group of Forces in Austria. In 1946–1949, Chief Commander of Central Group of Forces in Austria. Promoted Army General on 12/11/1948.

In the years 1949–1956 Kurasov was the Chief of General Staff Military Academy. Since 1956 Kurasov was Deputy Chief of General Staff, charged Military Scientific Research, hold the concurrent Head of the Military Science Department of the General Staff. In 1961, Kurasov again appointed as Chief of General Staff Military Academy, became professor in 1963. Since 1963, Kurasov was for leadership in the Unified Commanding of the armed forces of states participants of the Warsaw Pact.

In April 1968 Kuras appointed military inspector-adviser of the of General Inspectors Group of the Soviet Ministry of Defense. Died November 29, 1973 in Moscow. He was buried in the Novodevichy cemetery.

Awards

Hero of the Soviet Union, Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on May 7, 1965, for his able leadership the troops, the personal courage in the struggle against the Nazi invaders, and to mark the 20 anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War "

Sources