Mikhail Yefremov (military commander)

Lieutenant General Mikhail Grigoryevich Yefremov (Russian: Михаи́л Григо́рьевич Ефре́мов; February 27, 1897, Tarusa, Kaluga Governorate – 19 April 1942(1942-04-19) (aged 45)) was a military commander of the Soviet Union. He took part in the October Revolution, joined the Bolshevik Party in 1919, and became a division commander in 1921. He also became a military advisor to the National Government of China in 1928. During World War II, he commanded the Soviet Central Front in August 1941, and the Soviet 33rd Army from October 1941.

Mikhail Grigoryevich Yefremov

"Lt.-Gen. Yefremov decided to personally lead the striking force of his army" when Zhukov decided to take Vyazma in early February 1942. Gen. Belov's Cavalry Corps was able to join them before the Germans cut them off from other advancing Soviet forces. Operating in the German rear next to Soviet partisans, they were supplied by air until April when they were given permission to link up with the main Soviet forces. Most of Gen. Belov's Cavalry Corps made it to the Soviet 10th Army. However, Yefremov decided to take a shorter route which was detected by the Germans. Subsequently, the 33rd army was destroyed and he committed suicide to avoid being taken prisoner by the Germans. "Most of his heroic men fell alongside him." Yefremov was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.[1] There is a monument dedicated to him in Vyazma.[2]