Morozov, Alexander Konstantinovich

Alexander Morozov was born on May 25, 1920 in the village of Kolodnya (now within the boundaries of Smolensk) in the family of a railwayman. He graduated from a seven-year school in Kolodn, after which he wanted to continue his studies, but failed to do this, since he needed to help a family in which he had five brothers and sisters. At the age of 14, Morozov went to work at the Smolensk plant named after Kalinin as a locksmith apprentice, and six months later as a locksmith ^[1] .

In 1940, Morozov was called up for service in the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army . He served in the Lithuanian SSR , in the machine-gun company of the 336th Infantry Regiment of the 5th Infantry Division . Morozov quickly mastered the military profession of a machine gunner, he could dismantle and assemble the Maxim machine gun with his eyes closed, and skillfully acted on the exercises. In February 1940, the command of the unit sent a letter of thanks to Morozov's parents. Since April 1940, Alexander Morozov, an excellent student in combat and political training, was a deputy company political officer ^[1] .

From the first days of World War II - on its fronts. He took part in border battles in the Baltic states, battles near Polotsk , Drissa , Idritsa , Holm , the battle for Moscow . For the difference in one of these battles, Morozov was awarded the medal "For Courage" ^[1] .

When the institute of political officers in the Red Army was abolished in 1942 , Morozov became commander of the rifle division of the same regiment. He took part in the Rzhev-Vyazemsky and Rzhev-Sychev operations. During the battle for the city of Zubtsov, Kalinin Region, Morozov was seriously injured by fragments of a German shell. One of these fragments remained in his body forever. For more than a month he lay in the hospital, but, barely getting to his feet, again expressed a desire to return to his unit. By that time, the regiment, which had suffered heavy losses, was undergoing reformation, and only seven colleagues remained in its company ^[1] .

In early November 1942, the 44th Guards Rifle Division , to which the 5th Rifle Division was renamed, was transferred to Uryupinsk , and then sent to the Don on its own. In its composition Morozov took part in the battles on the Middle Don, in the area of ​​the village of the Don Rostov Region , near the city of Millerovo , the liberation of Donbass, and the forcing of the Seversky Donets . When the chief of the regimental radio station died, Morozov was appointed to his post, having mastered radio business in a month. In one of the battles, Morozov distinguished himself again and was awarded the second medal “For Courage” ^[1] .

In November 1943, Morozov's regiment distinguished itself during the battle of the Dnieper . Morozov was one of the first to cross the western bank of the river in the area of ​​the city of Loev, Gomel region, Belarusian SSR . Being in the midst of the battle, he provided uninterrupted communication in the most difficult conditions of the oncoming battle. For the difference in that battle, Morozov was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War of the 2nd degree and the mark "Excellent Signalman" ^[1] .

He took part in the Gomel-Rechitsa and Bobruisk operations. When during one of the battles Morozov transmitted the commander’s orders over the radio station, the observation post where he was was attacked. Morozov was injured, but did not leave his post, continuing to fulfill the duties entrusted to him. Only a few days later he was forced to go to the hospital. For the difference in this battle, Morozov was awarded the Order of Glory of the 3rd degree ^[1] .

He took part in the liberation of Brest , Lublin , forcing the Western Bug and Narew , battles on the Serotsky bridgehead . In contrast to the latter, Morozov was awarded the Order of the Red Star . He subsequently participated in the liberation of Polonsk , Naselsk , Gdansk , and battles in Germany . Morozov met the end of the war in the city of Bareta on the shores of the Baltic Sea ^[1] .

Participated in the Victory Parade . When on the way to Moscow he drove through Smolensk, destroyed by the war, he promised himself to do everything to restore it. In 1946, he was demobilized. He returned to Smolensk. For more than 30 years, Morozov was the foreman of the locksmiths of the Dorstroy Trust. While in this position, he took an active part in the restoration of the railway station, recreation center of railway workers and a number of other Smolensk buildings; construction of a depot in Roslavl , Vyazma , Minsk , Velikiye Luki , Rzhev , Moscow. In 1966, Morozov celebrated 50 years at one workplace and was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor ^[1] .

By a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of May 4, 1971, Alexander Morozov was awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor for the labor valor with the award of the Order of Lenin and the Hammer and Sickle Medal ^[1] .

In 1980, Morozov retired, worked as a fitter and installer of the 722nd construction train. He was awarded the badge " Honorary Railway Worker " ^[1] .

May 5, 1988 for "military and labor exploits, great services in the restoration of the destroyed military city, great personal contribution to the development of its national economy" Alexander Konstantinovich Morozov was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Smolensk ^[1] .

Died July 26, 1997 ^[1] . He was buried at the Guryevsky cemetery of Smolensk.

Morozov, Alexander Konstantinovich (Russian) . Site " Heroes of the country ".

• Belyaev I.N. Honor and glory - according to work. - Smolensk, 1991.