How a 17yo teenager became one of the BEST snipers of World War II
Vasily Kurka is credited with killing 179 enemy soldiers and officers and even downing a reconnaissance aircraft.
Vasily Kurka didn't come from a long line of hunters and hadn't held a gun since he was a child. But, it turned out that this simple peasant's son had a true calling for sniping.
In Summer 1941, the 16-year-old was mobilized into the labor reserves in the Vinnytsia region, but he was eager to go to the front. So, he managed to enlist in the 395th Rifle Division.
Vasyl was assigned to a rear unit, but when the regiment opened a sniper course under the direction of renowned marksman Sergeant Maksim Bryksin, he immediately enrolled. "He diligently studies the rifle and eagerly absorbs many combat episodes from the life of sniper Bryksin," his character reference stated.
The courageous teenager demonstrated great potential. He was distinguished not only by his marksmanship, but also by his attention to detail: he could identify enemy snipers by subtle signs on the ground, enemy firing positions by the slightest movement of leaves and German officers by their gestures.
And, on May 9, 1942, Vasily opened his combat account. In total, he killed 179 enemy soldiers and officers and even shot down a reconnaissance aircraft.
In early 1943, Kurka was sent to a short-term command course, after which he was promoted to junior lieutenant. He became a sniper platoon commander and sniper instructor.
Vasily died in Poland on January 13, 1945. His military awards included the ‘Order of the Red Banner’ and the ‘Order of the Red Star’, as well as the ‘For the Defense of the Caucasus’ medal.
