Published on: 2026-09-03
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On September 3, Russia celebrates the Day of Military Glory – the Victory Day over militaristic Japan and the end of World War II. Today we pay tribute to the heroes who defended our country and the entire world from the fascist threat.
From Victory to Offensive
After the defeat of the German troops and Victory in the Great Patriotic War on May 9, 1945, the Soviet Union, fulfilling its allied obligations, declared war on Japan on August 8, and already the next day Soviet troops went on the offensive.
A witness and direct participant in these events was Andrey Shary, later the head of the military department at MIEI–MIU, one of the predecessors of GUU. He fought in the war with Finland and the Great Patriotic War, and in August 1945 continued his combat path in the Far East:
“Combat operations began on August 9, 1945. On that day, I was entrusted with commanding a separate guards mortar battalion, with which I participated in overcoming the Greater Khingan mountain range and liberating a number of cities.”
The offensive unfolded over a vast territory. During the Manchurian strategic, South Sakhalin offensive, and Kuril landing operations, Soviet troops defeated the Kwantung Army – the main group of Japan’s ground forces. Soviet soldiers overcame mountain ranges and hard-to-reach areas, liberating cities and settlements.
For participation in these battles, the regiment in which Andrey Shary served was awarded the honorary title “Khingan,” and he himself was awarded the second Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd class.
For many servicemen, Victory over Germany did not mean a return home. Their journey continued in the Far East.
This also happened to Leonid Petrushenko, a future Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, professor, and head of the department at our university. He ended the war with Germany on the island of Kildin, and soon received a new assignment:
“Soon the war with Japan began. Many, including myself, were sent to the disposal of the Pacific Fleet Naval Aviation Headquarters in Vladivostok.”
Leonid Petrushenko served as an aviation radio mechanic in an aviation regiment near the village of Unashi, later in Port Arthur. His service in the army lasted more than six years.
Pavel Kolesnik was in the army since July 1941, fought on the 2nd Ukrainian Front, and served in armored units. In August 1945, he was the assistant commander of a tank company and battalion.
“I had the opportunity to participate in the war against Germany and Japan. In total, I served in the army from July 12, 1941, to April 1946, which is almost five years. I was in armored units the entire time. War is war – all sorts of things happened during these years.”
Pavel Adamovich met the end of the war with Japan in Manchuria.
Other employees of our university also took part in the war against Japan – Gennady Kokin and Alexander Elkin.
End of World War II
On September 2, 1945, the Instrument of Surrender of Japan was signed on board the American battleship USS Missouri. The document was signed on behalf of the Soviet Union by Lieutenant General Kuzma Derevyanko. The Second World War, which lasted six years and claimed tens of millions of lives, came to an end.
Returning to peaceful life, the veterans dedicated themselves to science and education. Pavel Kolesnik became a professor and vice-rector of MIEI-MIU, Leonid Petrushenko headed a department, Andrey Shary led the military department for ten years, and Gennady Kokin worked as an associate professor of the advertising department.
Their destinies connect the history of our country with the history of the State University of Management. People who fought in the Far East and witnessed the end of the most destructive war in human history with their own eyes, years later taught students, engaged in science, and worked within the walls of our university.
We pay deep tribute to the generation of Victors. We remember the fallen, honor the veterans, and carefully preserve the memory of those whose destinies are forever inscribed in the history of our country and the State University of Management.
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Subscribe to the Telegram channel “Our GUU” Publication date: 3.09.2026
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.