Mariya Polivanova | |
|---|---|
 Polivanova in 1941 or 1942 | |
| Native name | Мария Семёновна Поливанова |
| Born | 24 October 1922 Naryshkino,Tula Governorate,Russian SFSR |
| Died | 14 August 1942 (aged 19) |
| Allegiance |  Soviet Union |
| Branch | Infantry |
| Years of service | 1941–1942 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | 528th Rifle Regiment |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Hero of the Soviet Union |
Mariya Semyonovna Polivanova (Russian:Мария Семёновна Поливанова; 24 October 1922 – 14 August 1942) was a Sovietsniper during World War II. She waskilled in action together withNatalya Kovshova on 14 August 1942, and was posthumously awarded the title ofHero of the Soviet Union on 14 February 1943.[1]
Polivanova was born on 24 October 1922 to a working-class Russian family in Naryshkino village. After graduating from her eighth grade of school in Spas-Konino she headed a reading room on a collective farm. After moving to the village of Novye Gorki (located in present-dayKorolyov, Moscow Oblast) she worked at an order desk in a factory. In January 1940 she worked as a secretary in the welding department of theNational Institute of Aviation Technologies in Moscow. Simultaneously she attended night school in hopes of gaining admission to theMoscow Aviation Institute.[2][3]
Polivanova joined theRed Army in June 1941 after Germany attacked the Soviet Union. Initially tasked with night watch on a roof as an observer, she later underwent sniper training, which she graduated from in August. In October she volunteered for the3rd Moscow Communist Rifle Division, aNarodnoe Opolcheniye group to defend Moscow from German bombing attacks. In January 1942, she was transferred to the 528th Rifle Regiment on theNorthwestern Front, where she metNatalya Kovshova. Both Polivanova and Kovshova established themselves as skilled snipers and respected instructors in the battalion.[1][4]
In February 1942, Polivanova was sent to the front, fighting for control of Novaya Russa. In doing so the unit was able to disable enemy machine-gun setups and positions. In the battle of Rutchevo, under heavy enemy fire she managed to carry many wounded soldiers from her unit to safety. Some time between March and May 1942 she was wounded in battle and taken to a field hospital, where Kovshova was sent only two days later.[5]
On 14 August 1942 near Sutoki-Byakovo, Polivanova and Kovshova were surrounded by German troops after running out of ammunition. The pair killed themselves and caused Germans casualties with grenades. They were posthumously awarded the title ofHero of the Soviet Union on 14 February 1943 for exemplary service, courage and heroism.[5]
