The 10 Lysenko Brothers, All Sent To War And All Returned Home To Their Mother
The story of the Lysenko brothers is one that stands out in the annals of history. Ten brothers, hailing from a small village in Eastern Europe, went off to fight in one of the most tumultuous periods of the 20th century. Against all odds, they all returned home safely.
The Lysenko family lived in the quaint village of Petrova, situated in the fertile plains of Ukraine. They were known for their hard work and strong family values. Ivan and Olga Lysenko, the parents, had ten sons: Aleksei, Boris, Dmitry, Egor, Fyodor, Grigory, Ivan Jr., Nikolai, Pyotr, and Sergei.
From a young age, the Lysenko brothers were taught the importance of solidarity and perseverance. Their father, a veteran of the First World War, imparted to them stories of valour and survival, while their mother instilled in them compassion and a sense of duty.
The Outbreak of War
As Europe plunged into the chaos of the Second World War, the call to arms reverberated across the continent. For the Lysenko brothers, the war was not just about defending their homeland but also about protecting each other. Despite the grave risks, they all enlisted in the Soviet Army, driven by a sense of duty and the desire to stay together.
The brothers were assigned to different units across various fronts. Andrey and Pavel were caught early in the war and dispatched to labour camps in Germany, Aleksei and Boris joined the infantry, Dmitry became a tank operator, Egor and Fyodor were part of the air force, Grigory and Ivan Jr. served as medics, Nikolai worked in communications, while Pyotr and Sergei were assigned to artillery units.
The War Experiences
Andrey and Pavel: The Survivors of Labor Camps
Andrey and Pavel endured the harsh conditions of German labor camps. Despite the inhumane treatment and the grueling work, their resilience saw them through. Miraculously, they survived and eventually linked up with advancing units of the Red Army, a testament to their unyielding spirit and the will to reunite with their family.
Aleksei and Boris: The Infantrymen
Aleksei and Boris saw some of the fiercest battles on the Eastern Front. From the defense of Moscow to the brutal siege of Stalingrad, they fought valiantly. Despite the horrors of war, their brotherly bond remained unbroken. They often wrote letters to each other and to their family, sharing their experiences and offering each other encouragement.
Dmitry: The Tank Operator
Dmitry operated a T-34 tank and participated in several critical tank battles, including the Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history. His calm demeanor under fire and strategic thinking saved his crew on numerous occasions.
Egor and Fyodor: The Air Force Pilots
Egor and Fyodor took to the skies, engaging in dogfights and bombing missions. They both became aces, with numerous enemy aircraft downed between them. Their skills and bravery earned them several commendations.
Grigory and Ivan Jr.: The Medics
Grigory and Ivan Jr. served on the front lines, providing medical aid to the wounded. Their selflessness and dedication saved countless lives. They often found themselves in perilous situations, but their commitment to their duty and their comrades kept them going.
Nikolai: The Communications Officer
Nikolai's role in communications was crucial for coordinating attacks and relaying vital information. His expertise ensured that units stayed connected and that orders were transmitted accurately and timely.
Pyotr and Sergei: The Artillerymen
Pyotr and Sergei operated artillery pieces, providing crucial support during battles. Their precision and teamwork were vital in taking out enemy fortifications and providing cover for advancing troops.
Survival and Reunion
The war was unforgiving, and many families suffered unimaginable losses. However, through a combination of skill, luck, and perhaps a bit of fate, all ten Lysenko brothers survived. They endured numerous close calls and witnessed the loss of many comrades, but their determination to reunite kept them fighting.
Senior Lieutenant Vasiliy: The Decorated Hero
Senior Lieutenant Vasiliy, despite sustaining three injuries, displayed extraordinary bravery on the battlefield. His actions earned him the prestigious Order of the Red Star, a recognition of his courage and dedication.
Peter: The Communications Officer
Peter served as a communications officer and made his triumphant return to their homeland in 1946. His role was vital in ensuring the flow of information during crucial battles.
Aleksandr: The Signalman in Berlin
Aleksandr's journey took him to the heart of the Third Reich. As a signalman, he was part of the forces that reached Berlin, witnessing the fall of Nazi Germany firsthand.
Stepan: The Tank Driver
Tank driver Stepan was wounded in Eastern Prussia and later deployed to Manchuria to combat the Japanese. Although the war had ended by the time he arrived, he was the last of the brothers to return home, in 1947.
Nikolai: The First to Return
Nikolai was the first to come back, having miraculously survived an explosion that killed seven of his comrades. In 1944, he was discharged from the hospital and sent home to his mother.
Ivan: The Escapee
Ivan's journey was perilous, braving all of Ukraine and ending up at the Treblinka concentration camp. He managed to escape and continued to fight, ending his service in Romania.
Mikhail and Feodosiy: The Accidental Reunion
In August 1944, on the outskirts of Iasi, Romania, Mikhail saw Feodosiy. Mikhail, who was being sent on a reconnaissance mission, jumped into the trench where Feodosiy was and hugged him. They had a brief but emotional reunion, sharing stories and tears before parting ways.
The Return and Aftermath
After the fighting in Hungary, Mikhail and Feodosiy returned home with disabilities. Mikhail was heavily wounded in the chest, while Feodosiy lost a leg. Despite their injuries, they persevered, supported by their family and community.
The Matriarch: Evdokia Danilovna
Evdokia Danilovna endured years of fruitless waiting for updates from the battlefield, having tragically lost her husband in 1933. Despite facing these challenges alone, she courageously raised five daughters and even managed to survive the German occupation. Fate eventually smiled upon her when all of her sons returned home.
Her remarkable tale quickly gained recognition beyond the confines of her village. In 1946, she was honored with the Hero Mother award in Kiev. Evdokia Lysenko passed away in 1967, at the age of 73. In 1984, a decision was made to commemorate her legacy by erecting a bronze statue in Brovakha. All of her sons, with the exception of Vasiliy, gathered to witness the unveiling of the monument. Regrettably, he had already passed away and did not live to witness this significant occasion.
Legacy and Remembrance
The story of the Lysenko brothers became legendary in Petrova and beyond. Their tale was a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring many. Monuments were erected in their honour, and their story was passed down through generations.
The brothers themselves remained humble, often attributing their survival to the strength they drew from each other. They became advocates for peace, sharing their experiences to highlight the futility and devastation of war.
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