9th Soviet Army

The 9th Soviet Army formed during World War II, organizing troops to defend against advancing German forces in Ukraine. It played a crucial role in countering Axis offensives, engaging in intense battles across strategic locations. The army’s structure evolved, adapting to wartime demands and contributing significantly to the Soviet Union’s military efforts.

Commanders

Komkor Mikhail Dukhanov, 21st November to 22nd December 1939

Mikhail Dukhanov commanded Soviet forces during the Winter War, leading the 9th Army in challenging operations against Finnish defenses. He later contributed to Soviet efforts in World War II, commanding divisions and operational groups on the Eastern Front. Dukhanov’s leadership showcased strategic adaptability and resilience during critical moments in Soviet military history.

Komkor Vasily Chuikov, 22nd December 1939 to 5th April 1940

Vasily Chuikov commanded the 9th Soviet Army during the Winter War, leading efforts to stabilize operations against Finnish forces. He faced significant challenges, including logistical issues and fierce resistance, but demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Chuikov’s leadership during this period shaped his strategic approach, later contributing to his success in World War II.

Lieutenant General Ivan Boldin 20th June to 10th July 1940

Ivan Boldin commanded the 9th Soviet Army during World War II, leading operations to counter German advances effectively. He organized strategic defenses and coordinated offensives, showcasing resilience and adaptability in critical battles. Boldin’s leadership significantly contributed to the Soviet Union’s efforts on the Eastern Front, shaping key outcomes during the war.

Colonel General Yakov Cherevichenko 22nd June to 9th September 1941

Yakov Cherevichenko commanded Soviet forces during World War II, leading operations on multiple fronts with strategic precision. He played significant roles in defending key territories, organizing counteroffensives, and coordinating efforts against Axis advances. Cherevichenko’s leadership demonstrated resilience and adaptability, contributing to the Soviet Union’s military successes during critical moments of the war.

Major General Fyodor Kharitonov 9th September 1941 to 20th May 1942

Fyodor Kharitonov commanded the 9th Soviet Army during World War II, leading operations against Axis forces with determination. He organized strategic defenses, coordinated offensives, and contributed to key battles on the Eastern Front. Kharitonov’s leadership showcased resilience and adaptability, significantly impacting the Soviet Union’s military efforts during critical moments of the war.

Major General Pyotr Kozlov 20th May 1942 to 18th June 1942

Major General Pyotr Kozlov, a prominent Soviet military leader, played a vital role in key World War II operations. He commanded forces during critical battles, coordinating defenses and offensives to counter Axis threats on the Eastern Front. His leadership, marked by resilience and adaptability, greatly influenced the Soviet Union’s wartime achievements.

Major General Dmitry Nikishov 18th June 1942 to 24th June 1942

Major General Dmitry Nikishov served as a Soviet military leader, contributing to key operations during World War II with strategic precision. He led forces in critical battles, organizing defenses and offensives against Axis advances on the Eastern Front. Nikishov’s leadership demonstrated resilience and adaptability, significantly impacting the Soviet Union’s military successes during pivotal moments.

Lieutenant General Anton Lopatin 24th June 1942 to 14th July 1942

Lieutenant General Anton Lopatin 24th June to 17th July 1942

Anton Lopatin commanded the 9th Soviet Army during World War II, leading operations to counter German advances effectively. He organized strategic defenses, coordinated offensives, and contributed to key battles on the Eastern Front. Lopatin’s leadership showcased resilience and adaptability, significantly impacting the Soviet Union’s military efforts during critical moments of the war.

Major General Feofan Parkhomenko 14th July 1942 to 7th August 1942

Feofan Parkhomenko commanded Soviet forces during World War II, leading operations on multiple fronts with strategic precision. He played significant roles in defending key territories, organizing counteroffensives, and coordinating efforts against Axis advances. Parkhomenko’s leadership demonstrated resilience and adaptability, contributing to the Soviet Union’s military successes during pivotal moments of the war.

Major General Vladimir Marcinkiewicz 8th August 1942 to 28th August 1942

Major General Vladimir Marcinkiewicz fought bravely during a tumultuous period of World War II on the Eastern Front. He commanded the Soviet 9th Army and 24th Army amidst fierce battles against German forces. Marcinkiewicz faced significant challenges, including encirclement and heavy losses, yet he continued to lead his troops with determination. His contributions highlight the sacrifices and resilience of Soviet commanders during the war’s most challenging phases.

Lieutenant General Konstantin Koroteev 4th Sep 1942 to 11th February 1943

Lieutenant General Konstantin Koroteev 4th September 1942 to 11th February 1943

Lieutenant General Konstantin Koroteev served as a prominent Soviet military leader during World War II. He commanded the 9th Army in the Caucasus, halting the German advance. Koroteev later led the 52nd Army in crucial battles like the Korsun-Cherkassy Pocket. His strategic brilliance and battlefield successes earned him recognition as a skilled commander.

Major General Vasily Glagolev 11th February to 22nd March 1943

Major General Vasily Glagolev demonstrated exceptional leadership during World War II on the Eastern Front. He commanded the 9th Army and later the 46th Army, contributing to key Soviet victories. Glagolev’s strategic acumen and battlefield successes earned him the prestigious title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Lieutenant General Konstantin Koroteev 22nd March 1943 to 6th June 1943

Lieutenant General Konstantin Koroteev served as a prominent Soviet military leader during World War II. He commanded the 9th Army in the Caucasus, halting the German advance. Koroteev later led the 52nd Army in crucial battles like the Korsun-Cherkassy Pocket. His strategic brilliance and battlefield successes earned him recognition as a skilled commander.

Lieutenant General Aleksei Grechkin 6th June 1943 to 1st November 1943

Lieutenant General Aleksei Grechkin played a vital role in the Soviet war effort during World War II. He commanded the 9th Army in the Caucasus, contributing to the defense against German forces. Grechkin later served as deputy commander of the 3rd Baltic Front, participating in offensives to liberate the Baltic region.

Engagements

Operation Munchen
Battle of Rostov
Second Battle of Kharkov
Battle of the Caucasus

Army Composition

1939

49th and Special Rifle Corps
44th Rifle Division
163rd Rifle Division

1940

22nd June 1941

14th Rifle Corps
35th Rifle Corps
- 95th Rifle Division
- 176th Rifle Division
48th Rifle Corps
- 30th Mountain Rifle Division
- 74th Rifle Division
- 150th Rifle Division
2nd Cavalry Corps
- 5th Cavalry Division
- 9th Cavalry Division
2nd Mechanised Corps
- 11th Tank Division
- 16th Tank Division
- 15th Motorised Division
18th Mechanised Corps

1st July 1942

Southwest Front

51st Rifle Division
81st Rifle Division
106th Rifle Division
140th Rifle Division
255th Rifle Division
296th Rifle Division
318th Rifle Division
333rd Rifle Division
5th Cavalry Corps
- 30th Cavalry Division
- 34th Cavalry Division
- 60th Cavalry Division
12th Tank Brigade

1st February 1943

North Caucasus Front

9th Rifle Corps
- 43rd Rifle Brigade
- 157th Rifle Brigade
- 256th Rifle Brigade
11th Guards Rifle Corps
- 7th Rifle Brigade
- 34th Rifle Brigade
- 57th Rifle Brigade
- 8th Guards Rifle Brigade
11th Rifle Corps
- 19th Rifle Brigade
- 84th Rifle Brigade
- 131st Rifle Brigade
207th Tank Brigade

1st July 1943

North Caucasus Front

9th Rifle Corps
- 34th Rifle Brigade
- 43rd Rifle Brigade
- 157th Rifle Brigade
- 256th Rifle Brigade
11th Rifle Corps
- 19th Rifle Brigade
- 57th Rifle Brigade
- 84th Rifle Brigade
- 131st Rifle Brigade
- 276th Rifle Division
- 351st Rifle Division

History

The 9th Soviet Army engaged in significant operations during World War II, countering German advances on the Eastern Front. It participated in critical battles, including the defense of Ukraine and the Caucasus, showcasing strategic resilience and adaptability. The army’s leadership coordinated efforts to repel Axis forces, ensuring vital territories remained under Soviet control during intense conflicts.

The army’s first formation played a crucial role in Operation Barbarossa, organizing defenses against the initial German invasion. It faced overwhelming challenges but managed to regroup and contribute to the broader Soviet counteroffensive. The second formation, established later, focused on reinforcing Soviet positions and launching coordinated attacks to reclaim lost ground.

Throughout its operational history, the 9th Soviet Army demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Soviet war effort. Its contributions significantly impacted the outcome of key battles, shaping the course of the Eastern Front. The army’s legacy remains a testament to its strategic importance and resilience.