The Tank-Melting Hero: How Mariya Oktyabrskaya Inspired Generations — A love story!
Celebrating #InternationalWomensDay featuring the most Iconic female figures of World War 2.
It’s also a love Story
When her husband Ilya was killed during the German attack on Kiev, she sold all of her belongings and bought a T-34 tank, which she dubbed “Fighting Girlfriend.” Rather than donate the tank to the army, the story goes that to ensure she would be able to pilot it herself, Oktybrskaya went straight to the top: Joseph Stalin.In a letter to the man of steel asking permission to fight for her country, she stated, “My husband was killed in action defending the motherland. I want revenge on the fascist dogs for his death and for the death of Soviet people tortured by the fascist barbarians.”Stalin quickly granted his approval (perhaps realizing the publicity value of a loyal communist wife willing to fight to the death). Oktyabrskaya underwent a five-month training program before being sent to the front.
Mariya Oktyabrskaya was a Soviet tank driver who became a legend in World War II. Born in Yekaterinoslav (now Dnipro), Ukraine, in 1905, Mariya was raised in a family of peasants. She had little formal education but was a hard-working woman who loved to learn. She got married to a soldier, Ilya Oktyabrsky, who was later killed in action during the war. This loss had a significant impact on Mariya, who decided to dedicate her life to avenging her husband and fighting the Nazis.
In 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union, and Mariya was determined to join the fight. She tried to enlist in the army, but was initially turned down due to her lack of military training. However, she was persistent and eventually managed to convince the authorities to let her enroll in a training course for tank drivers. Despite being the oldest and the only woman in the course, Mariya proved to be an exceptional student and quickly earned the respect of her fellow soldiers.
Mariya’s first assignment was as a driver for a T-34 tank, one of the most advanced tanks of the time. She was assigned to the 26th Guards Tank Brigade, which was tasked with defending the city of Stalingrad, a key location in the war. The battle of Stalingrad was one of the bloodiest and most brutal battles of the war, but Mariya proved to be a skilled and fearless tank driver. She led her tank into battle, destroying enemy positions and providing cover for the infantry.
In one particularly heroic incident, Mariya’s tank was hit by enemy fire and temporarily disabled. Instead of retreating, Mariya got out of the tank and started repairing it under heavy fire. She managed to fix the tank and get it back into action, earning the admiration of her fellow soldiers.
Mariya continued to fight on the front lines for several months, earning several medals and decorations for her bravery and skill. However, she was wounded in battle in 1944 and was forced to leave the front. She was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the highest honor in the Soviet Union, for her bravery in battle.
After the war, Mariya returned to her hometown and became a public figure, traveling around the country to speak about her experiences in the war. She also donated all of her military awards and medals to the government to be melted down and used to build a new tank.
Mariya Oktyabrskaya died in 1944, but her legacy lives on. She is remembered as a symbol of the courage and determination of the Soviet people in the face of Nazi aggression. She remains an inspiration to women and soldiers around the world, and her story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by millions of people during World War II.
Mariya Oktyabrskaya’s legacy continued long after her death. In 1946, a new tank was built using the melted-down metal from her medals and was named after her. The tank, the IS-2, was one of the most powerful tanks of its time and played a significant role in the Soviet Union’s military strength during the Cold War.
Mariya’s story also inspired many women to join the military and fight for their country. Her bravery and determination challenged traditional gender roles and proved that women could be just as capable as men in combat.
In 1978, a film was made about Mariya’s life called “The Tanker Girl.” The film portrayed Mariya as a strong and heroic figure and was a popular hit in the Soviet Union.
In recent years, Mariya Oktyabrskaya has become an icon in Russia and Ukraine, with streets, schools, and monuments named after her. Her story continues to inspire people around the world, and she is remembered as a symbol of bravery, determination, and patriotism.
Mariya Oktyabrskaya’s life is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope, and that the actions of a single individual can make a profound impact on the world.
