Glod, Nikolaj Danilovich, Topographical Surveyor, 1301st Cannon Artillery Regiment

[Tommy]

Searching around on the internet, i stumbled across this article about the veteran, written on an Odessan news website.

A veteran of Stalingrad

For decades, I have had a continued friendship with Nikolai Danilovich Glod. A young man, in early November 1942 he went to his military commissariat with a request to be sent it to the front and soon after found himself in the trenches of Stalingrad.

Outwardly he appeared humble and shy though he struck his fellow soldiers with his courage and daring whilst being a scout. Following the battle for Stalingrad he was seriously wounded. Upon receiving medical treatment in hospital, he took part in liberating the Ukraine, participated in crossing the Dnieper and in operations such as the Korsun-Shevchenko, Jassy-Kishinev and Budapest battles.

The Order of the Patriotic War 1st and 2nd class, the Order of the Red Star, the medals "For courage" and "For the defence of Stalingrad" and many other awards are deservedly worn by veteran Nikolai Danilovich Glod.

After the war, the Soviet Army did not have enough staff, especially junior officers. Nikolai Danilovich in 1951 was awarded the rank of officer, and Nikolai skilfully shared his experience with his subordinates.

Discharged from the army in December 1955, Nikolai Danilovich didn’t rest and began to toil on the peace front. For more than 30 years he worked in local government, most notably as the head secretary of the executive committee of the Tarutino district.

At anytime and at any place, he was distinguished by his diligence and sensitivity for the people and his attitude towards his countrymen was reciprocated. Once, around 10 years ago I arrived to visit him. He decided to show me the town which I hadn’t been to in over 50 years. I noticed that everywhere he went; people of different ages greeted him with a friendly smile.

As the years passed, as he came to retirement age, even then the warrior-worker did not rest. For almost 20 years - he was the permanent chairman of the Board of Veterans in the Tarutino district.

We recently met again. Both of us now old and have equipped with walking sticks as our legs ache from the effects of our wounds.

When I asked: "Is it time to rest?" Nikolai Danilovich said: "While I still can, perhaps there is someone else this sorry old veteran can help." So even today there is still Stalingrad veteran in the ranks.

[CtahhR]

Originally Posted by Tommy

Nikolai Danilovich in 1951 was awarded the rank of officer, and Nikolai skilfully shared his experience with his subordinates.

He did make it beyond private. Didn't quite make a second Red Star though.