Poland Czechosolvaika: Richard Tesař

[Ed_Haynes]

The Czech hero Richard Tesař?k (1915-67).

A babble-version of http://www.warheroes.ru/hero/hero.asp?Hero_id=1558 follows:

Тесаржик (Tesarik) Rihard - the commander of a company of tanks "?-70" of a tank battalion of 1st separate Czechoslovak infantry brigade as a part of 51st shooting case of 38th army of 1st Ukrainian front, the second lieutenant.

Was born on December, 3rd, 1915 in capital of Czechia - the city of Prague. After occupation of the Czech earths by fascist armies, together with other compatriots-patriots in 1939 has emigrated to Poland and then, with the beginning of 2nd world war, in September, 1939 as a part of Czechoslovak military unit has passed in the USSR.

In February, 1942 R.Tesarzhik has entered 1st separate Czechoslovak battalion generated from Czechoslovak volunteers under command of colonel Ljudvika of Freedom in the city of Buzuluk of the Orenburg region.

In March, 1943 the assistant to the commander of an infantry company the captain R.Tesarzhik has accepted baptism of fire in the first fight of a Czechoslovak battalion against fascist armies at village of the Sokolov of Zmiyovsky area of the Kharkov area.

Has especially caused a stir in fights for Kiev. On November, 5th, 1943. When 1st separate Czechoslovak infantry brigade has begun approach to the Ukrainian capital, about 16 hours the commander of 2nd battalion has asked to help it tanks. To the commander of a company of tanks "?-70" to the second lieutenant R.Tesarzhiku on a portable radio set was the order is given - to attack southwest suburb of Syretsky camps, on city suburb. Using support of tanks and having committed to battle a reserve, the commander of 2nd battalion has undertaken roundabout maneuver at the left and attacked the opponent from back. As a result of joint efforts of a tank company of R.Tesarzhika and a reserve of 2nd battalion with support of the artillery battery, the straight line which has destroyed by fire наводки some weapon emplacements, were possible to break by 17 o'clock resistance of the opponent and in this area. Thus, the left flank of a Czechoslovak brigade also has carried out the problem set for it that, in turn, has created possibility for the further advancement of its left neighbour - 931st shooting regiment of 240th division of 51st shooting case of 38th army.

Having seized at 18 o'clock a film studio and promptly having promoted along Zhitomir street, the company of tanks "?-70" of the second lieutenant of R.Tesarzhika with one tank "?-34" and a platoon of submachine gunners has broken to city centre of Kiev and already at 19 o'clock left to passenger station "Kiev-1" where - has encountered persistent resistance of the opponent. In the fastened fight Czechoslovak tankmen together with submachine gunners of 2nd battalion and a field company platoon have seized at 20 o'clock station and have rescued from destruction the bridge and other railway objects ?

The decree of Presidium of the Supreme body of the USSR from December, 21st, 1943 for skilful command of a tank company both the shown courage and heroism in fights with fascist aggressors to the citizen of Czechoslovakia to second lieutenant Tesarzhiku Rihardu appropriates a rank of the Hero of Soviet Union with delivery of an award of Lenin and a medal "Gold Star" (№ 1693).

Further the courageous Czechoslovak officer-tankman was at war under White Church, Zhashkovom. As a part of the 1944 of 1st Czechoslovak army case created in the spring it took part in Karpatsko-Duklinsky operation of armies of 1st Ukrainian front, and on September, 22nd, 1944, in fight for mastering in the height 694 which were called as "mountain Girovoj", was seriously injured ?

This day the tank in which was надпоручик R.Tesarzhik, the first has broken to "mountain Girovoj" top, but during the moment when it has already approached to the first траншее the opponent, one of Hitlerites has shot on the tank from фаустпатрона. The car has lighted up and began to slip quickly downwards. From crew has escaped only надпоручик R.Tesarzhik. Fainted, covered with wounds and burnt, it was picked up by hospital attendants. They have rendered to the Hero first aid. In field hospital doctors have done the utmost to keep to it a life, but it was not possible to rescue the left eye ?

After war the courageous officer continued service in Czechoslovak national army. The hero of Soviet Union, the major general of CHNA Rihard Tesarzhik has died on March, 27th, 1967 on 52nd year of a life. It is buried in the native city of Prague.

It is awarded the order Lenin, an award of the Red Star, medals, Czechoslovak awards and medals.

[Ed_Haynes]

Close-up on his ribbon bar.

[ilja559]

Excellent photo. Today has received some postcards from Czechoslovakia. If it is interesting, I can show.