The first foreigner to become a Hero of the Soviet Union
More than 40 foreigners were awarded this title. However, the Czechoslovak officer topped this list.
This honor was bestowed upon Otakar Jaroš, the commander of the 1st company of the 1st separate Czechoslovak infantry battalion, “nadporučík” (Senior Lieutenant).
The battalion was formed in 1942 by agreement between the Soviet leadership and the Czechoslovak government in exile. It included Czechs who had fled from the German occupation, as well as Slovaks who did not want to live in the puppet Slovak Republic created by the Nazis.
The battalion was operationally subordinate to the Soviet 25th Guards Rifle Division. In March 1943, it received its baptism of fire on the southwestern approaches to Kharkov.
The company of Lieutenant Jaroš held positions near the village of Sokolovo. The unit was surrounded, but continued to fight and did not allow the enemy to cross the Mzha River.
The soldiers managed to destroy 19 German tanks. The commander himself was wounded twice, but remained in the ranks. He died while rallying his soldiers to counterattack.
On April 17, 1943, for the heroism and dedication shown in battle, Lieutenant Otakar Jaroš was posthumously awarded the title ‘Hero of the Soviet Union’.
