Ivan Zinoviev

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Ivan Dmitrievich Zinoviev (17 January 1905 – 1942) was a Soviet Red Army colonel and a Hero of the Soviet Union. He began his military career in the OGPU Border Troops and fought the Basmachi in Central Asia. He joined the Communist Party in 1931, was seriously wounded that year, and received the Order of the Red Banner. He rose through the ranks, finished border-troop training, and became chief of staff of border troops in Turkmen SSR before graduating from the Higher School of the Border Troops.

Winter War (1939–1940): Zinoviev commanded a company protecting a supply line at Uoma. He faced heavy Finnish attacks, was wounded, and helped his unit hold out for weeks. He led a night counterattack that broke the encirclement, and later received the title Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin for his courage.

World War II: He briefly studied at the Frunze Military Academy and wrote a book about his Winter War experiences. With the German invasion, he became the commander of the 393rd Rifle Division in the 6th Army. He led his division in defensive fighting along the Donets and in the Barvenkovo–Lozovaya Offensive, where his troops reportedly captured many settlements. He was awarded a second Order of the Red Banner in March 1942.

In May 1942, during the Second Battle of Kharkov, Zinoviev was seriously wounded, captured by German troops, and sent to camps in Germany and Norway. He was shot in Norway while attempting to escape.

Zinoviev is remembered as a brave commander who earned high honors for his leadership and sacrifice in the early years of the war.