The Feat of Ivan Mirenkov’s Platoon

On the evening of 15 April 1945, near the Czech village of Starovičky, Ivan Mirenkov, commanding a platoon of three T-34-85 tanks, attacked an enemy blocking force consisting of three Panther tanks. The Germans declined battle and withdrew into the village. 

 

Realising that he was being lured into a trap, Mirenkov ordered Krasnov’s and Pestrikov’s tanks to outflank the village. In the ensuing brief engagement, one German gun positioned in ambush was destroyed, while the crew of the second abandoned it. Pestrikov’s tank was knocked out, but the crew survived. On the morning of 16 April, Mirenkov’s and Krasnov’s tanks entered into an unequal battle with nine enemy tanks and self-propelled guns. Krasnov’s tank was knocked out by a shot from an ambush, and only the driver, Mazur, survived. Left alone and making skilful use of the fog, Mirenkov’s tank managed to knock out three Panthers and a Marder self-propelled gun. His tank was also knocked out. Despite being seriously wounded, Mirenkov managed to rescue his crewman Lyovin from the burning vehicle. The Germans began to withdraw. Thanks to the feat of Ivan Mirenkov’s platoon, the 16th Tank Brigade was able to capture the town of Hustopeče. A frontline correspondent even managed to photograph the Marder self-propelled gun and Panthers knocked out by Mirenkov.

 

Ivan Mirenkov was awarded the Gold Star of Hero of the Soviet Union, and a monument featuring T-34-85 No. 200 was erected near the village of Starovičky. Commemorative events honouring the feat of the Soviet tank crews are held here on 15 April, drawing people who respect their contribution to the defeat of Nazi Germany.