During the 800 days of war he experienced, Nikolai Litvin fought on the front lines in the terrible tank battles at Kursk, was wounded three times, and witnessed unspeakable atrocities against prisoners and civilians. But he survived to write these brief yet captivating memoirs of his wartime experiences.

Just shy of 20 years old, Litvin served for three years in the Red Army on the deadly battlefields of the Eastern Front. His memoirs present a candid account of the fate of the common soldier in Stalin's army.

In contrast to the memoirs of Russian officers, which usually focus on major military operations and political issues, this narrative offers a truly grounded perspective of World War II in its deadliest theater. It puts a human face on the enormous cost of losses and provides a rare insight into the battles that led to the defeat of the German Army.

Litvin's various roles, ranging from an anti-tank gunner at Kursk to a heavy machine gunner in a penal battalion and later a staff driver in the 354th Rifle Division, offer unique perspectives on the Red Army in the Second World War as it fought from Ukraine to the depths of German territory.

Litvin documents significant battles such as Operation "Kutuzov," Operation "Bagration," and the German counterattack on the Narev River, while also providing unique personal observations of crossing the Dnieper River under enemy fire, the rape of German women by Russian troops, and the moment he saw his life pass before his eyes as he watched a Stuka bomb fall directly onto his position.

Furthermore, due to his duties as a driver for Red Army generals, he provides revealing glimpses into their personalities and behavior.

As a unique and invaluable historical document, as well as a remarkable testament to survival, Litvin's memoirs offer fresh and penetrating insights into the Soviet wartime experience.