History
The 13th Guards Poltava Order of Lenin Twice Red Banner Orders of Suvorov and Kutuzov Rifle Division (Russian: 13-я гвардейская стрелковая Полтавская ордена Ленина дважды Краснознамённая орденов Суворова и Кутузова дивизия) was an infantry division of the Red Army that was highly decorated during World War II.
Formed in January 1942 from the 87th Rifle Division (Second Formation) in January 1942, the division suffered heavy losses in the Second Battle of Kharkov and the subsequent Soviet retreat. Rebuilt, the division entered the Battle of Stalingrad in mid-September, in which it distinguished itself during several months of urban combat in the city center and at Mamayev Kurgan. After the end of the battle in early February, the division was withdrawn for rebuilding and in July 1943 joined the 5th Guards Army with which it spent the rest of the war. The division fought in the Battle of Kursk and the subsequent Soviet advance into Ukraine, capturing Dresden in the last days of the war.
Formed in January 1942 from the 87th Rifle Division (Second Formation) in January 1942, the division suffered heavy losses in the Second Battle of Kharkov and the subsequent Soviet retreat. Rebuilt, the division entered the Battle of Stalingrad in mid-September, in which it distinguished itself during several months of urban combat in the city center and at Mamayev Kurgan. After the end of the battle in early February, the division was withdrawn for rebuilding and in July 1943 joined the 5th Guards Army with which it spent the rest of the war. The division fought in the Battle of Kursk and the subsequent Soviet advance into Ukraine, capturing Dresden in the last days of the war.
Featured Missions
| Campaign | Mission | Campaign | Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battle of Stalingrad | Taking Mamayev Kurgan | Battle of Stalingrad | Struggle for Mamayev |
| Battle of Stalingrad | Streets of Hell | Battle of Stalingrad | Suburb Encirclement |
| Battle of Stalingrad | Volga River Crossing | Battle of Stalingrad | Pavlov's House |
| Battle of Stalingrad | Fallen Fighters Square | Battle of Stalingrad | Univermag Department Store |
| Battle of Stalingrad | Railway Station Square | Battle of Stalingrad | Gumrak Airfield Pocket |