>>18535060The general bypasses the front of the heroes of Stalingrad, Budapest, Vienna and rises to the podium. Marshal Tolbukhin announces that the Soviet government has awarded one of the most prominent and popular commanders of the American army, General Patton, with the Order of Kutuzov, 1st degree, and immediately pins the order to the general’s chest.
Then Lieutenant General Zakhvataev announces the awarding of Soviet orders to General Patton's combat comrades-in-arms. Among the recipients were the representative of General Eisenhower's headquarters, Major General Everest Hughes, Chief of Staff of the 3rd Army, Major General Gubarn R. Guy, Chief of Operations, Brigadier General Halley G. Mandoke and others.
US Army Corporal James J. Becker was also awarded the Soviet Order. The day before, during a visit by our officers to the headquarters of the 3rd American Army, General Patton called Corporal Becker the hero of numerous attacks. An American corporal is awarded the Order of Glory, 3rd class.
The orchestra plays the anthem of the Soviet Union and the American anthem. American and Soviet banners flutter in the stands and over the pediment of the castle.
The ceremony is over. A guard of honor marches in front of the podium.
In the friendly conversation that followed, the guests and hosts began to recall combat episodes from the history of their armies.
On the chest of our officers, next to the signs of domestic awards, ribbons of American orders flaunt. Most of the visiting Americans have our military orders.
Participants of the landings talk about how they landed in Normandy. Heroes of Stalingrad remember their battles.
The meeting was held in an exceptionally warm and friendly atmosphere. Saying goodbye to the guardsmen, Patton proposes a toast to Grand Marshal Stalin. Everyone gets up. American and Soviet officers greet this toast with a friendly “cheers”.
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