Kozma Kryuchkov is a Don Cossack. During the First World War was the first awarded St. George's Cross. In August 2014, he gained fame as a hero of all warring Russia.
Few people now know that on the Don in World War I lived a Cossack Kozma Firsovich Kryuchkoy. And in his time he was a real hero. Not a single Cossack was able to gain national recognition so quickly. His fame came to naught after 2017, but information about the exploits was not provided.
Service start
The biography of the future hero began in 1890 on the farm of Nizhne-Kalmykovsky of the Ust-Khopersky village of the Don Army. The family adhered to strict rules, respected all patriarchal foundations. Kozma helped his father on the farm, learned to master a horse and a saber very well. Four years later, study at the village school was completed. The young man began to serve in the third Don Cossack regiment.
At that time, the guy’s personal life was arranged. The wife gave her husband two children, a son and a daughter. Kryuchkov quickly gained a reputation as a diligent warrior, and by 1914 he became the order of the 6th hundred. Cossack from the very beginning of the war showed ingenuity, intelligence and courage.
He was well versed in military affairs. He calmly accepted the news of the beginning of the battles, as he was ready to physically and mentally fight. Service has become a life-long affair. According to the memoirs of his contemporaries, Kozma Firsovich was characterized by modesty and shyness, but he was always open to communication, he was known as a sincere man. Courage, resourcefulness, dexterity with excellent physical data quickly came in handy.
During a stay in Polish Calvary, a momentous event occurred. When patrolling at the end of July 1914, a four-man patrol went to the enemy. The forces were unequal, but due to the surprise of the meeting, overwhelming opponents panicked. When it became clear that there were only four against them, the attack began. Cossacks did not intend to give up. They gave a worthy rebuff to the enemy. The battle was fierce.
Reward
Kryuchkov failed to use the rifle, had to act only with a saber. The results of the battle struck even the warriors who saw a lot. Almost all enemy cavalry was destroyed. All participants from the Russian side were all wounded, but alive. Shortly after this, the participants of the significant battle were visited by General Rennenkampf, who presented Kozma with the highest award of the country. After treatment at the hospital, the Cossack returned to the regiment.
Soon the hero was sent to his native farm for a visit. We met him with honor. The glory of the father was reflected in the children. According to existing rules, the success of his son became the reason for the promotion in the rank of father. The officer became Firs Larionovich who raised such a son. In turn, the right to wear parental awards was received by the son of Kozma. News and battle spread throughout Russia. The emperor also learned about the battle.
Kozma Firsovich turned into a national, popularly beloved and super popular hero. He even became a participant in newsreels, many popular products were named after him. All editions printed photographs of the brave warrior, postage stamps and patriotic posters decorated the images of the Cossack.
In honor of Kryuchkov, a steamer was named, and the famous artist Repin painted a portrait of the hero. Glory did not let Kozma neither in the civilian, nor in military service.
He received the privileged position of chief of the convoy at the headquarters of the division. Almost completely the headquarters was filled with parcels addressed to Kozma, hundreds of letters. The hero was awarded as a reward checkers in a frame of silver, and then gold. He received a blade completely covered in laudatory reviews. Reporters did not allow the celebrity to pass, the press representatives constantly wanted to meet with him.
