USSR Commanders

Vasiliy Nikolayevich Gordov

Commander of Offensive Operations

Description

BIOGRAPHY

“It’s better to be killed today than to fail a mission...” – these words are the best way to sum up Gordov as a commander and a person.

Gordov began his career during the Russian Empire and used his extensive knowledge in numerous operations against the White Movement during the Civil War, during which he took part in the elimination of Makhno’s troops.

He began World War II as a major general and commander of the 21st Army. He took part in the defence of Gomel and the Red Army’s Winter Campaign counterattack in 1941-1942. He later took command of the 33rd Army, which he led in the Rzhev-Vyasma, Smolensk, Orsha, and Vitebsk offensive operations.

But it was in the Upper Silesian Offensive that Gordov showed his best performance. His army, spearheading the main attack, broke through the German defensive lines and defeated the enemy near the town of Kielce.

In April-May 1945 the 3rd Guards Army, commanded by Gordov, took part in the Berlin and Prague offensives. His skilled leadership, courage, and heroism were recognized with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

EFFECTIVENESS ON THE BATTLEFIELD

In spite of his bad temper and “obscene” commanding style, his authority with his subordinates was unchallenged, thanks to his personal courage and vast experience. Gordov prefers rapid aggressive advance tactics with the use of smoke screens after timely reconnaissance of the enemy’s positions.

Specializations

  • Light Vehicles
  • Medium Tanks
  • Light Tanks
  • Anti-Tank Infantry
  • Assault Infantry
  • Large Smoke Screen
  • Paratrooper Squad
  • Anti-Personnel Mines
  • Anti-Tank Mines
  • Anti-Tank Rifle
  • Anti-Tank Gun

Talents

  • Large Smoke Screen
    Prevents attacks within a certain range.
    Large Smoke Screen: Supply Points required: less by 1
    • Large Smoke Screen
  • Paratrooper Squad
    A squad of assault paratroopers will land in a random location on the map.
    Paratrooper Squad: Supply Points required: less by 2
    • Paratrooper Squad
  • Staff Tactician
    Informing officers about obstacles in the area in advance allows you to significantly increase the movement speed of assault infantry and medium/light tanks.
    Medium Tank, Light Tank, Assault Infantry: +2 Movement speed; -20% Chance to hit the unit
    • Medium Tanks
    • Light Tanks
    • Assault Infantry
  • Only Forward
    Crews of light vehicles and light/medium tanks under this commander are accustomed to emergency repairs of their aiming systems and track assemblies. Supplying light and medium tanks with high-quality shells increases the damage they deal and their armour-piercing ability.
    Light Vehicle, Medium Tank, Light Tank: +20% Armour penetration
    Medium Tank, Light Tank: +20% Damage to infantry, Damage to vehicles; -4 Repair duration
    • Light Vehicles
    • Medium Tanks
    • Light Tanks
  • Shoot and Run
    This commander is well aware of the specifics of using anti-tank squads, namely sudden salvos and immediate retreats from the engagement area. The rate of fire and movement speed of anti-tank infantry are increased.
    Anti-Tank Infantry: +2 Movement speed; -40% Reload time
    • Anti-Tank Infantry
  • Saboteur
    The commander's attentive approach to combat engineering allows you to increase the killing power of mines.
    Anti-Personnel Mines: +50% Damage to infantry
    Anti-Tank Mines: +50% Damage to vehicles
    Anti-Tank Mines, Anti-Personnel Mines: -20 Tracking range
    • Anti-Personnel Mines
    • Anti-Tank Mines
  • Team Building
    Dug-in anti-tank rifle crews deliver more accurate fire due to the cohesion they have learned in previous battles.
    Anti-Tank Rifle: -40% Reload time; +50% Damage to vehicles
    • Anti-Tank Rifle
  • Blitz Defence
    Deep insight into the principles of anti-tank weapons allows this commander to use anti-tank guns with maximum effectiveness: their shooting range is longer, and accurate shots have a chance of disabling enemy guns.
    Anti-Tank Gun: +20% Chance to jam weapon; +15 Shot range
    • Anti-Tank Gun