Born: 1920 (Polotsk, present-day Belarus)
Biography:
Zinaida Mikhailovna Tusnolobova-Marchenko (Russian: -) was born on 23 November 1920, in Polotsk, located in present-day Belarus. She was born into a Russian family of farmers on the Shevtsovo farm. Tusnolobova-Marchenko grew up in a rural setting and had a humble upbringing.
After graduating from secondary school, Tusnolobova-Marchenko began working as a chemist in Leninskugol. However, her life took a drastic turn with the outbreak of World War II. In April 1942, she joined the Red Army, motivated by a strong determination to contribute to the war effort.
Tusnolobova-Marchenko displayed exceptional courage and dedication in her military service. After completing nursing courses, she was assigned to the 849th Rifle Regiment, where she worked as a medic. Her primary responsibility was to evacuate wounded Soviet soldiers from the battlefield. In the first eight months of her military service alone, she evacuated an astounding 123 injured soldiers.
However, Tusnolobova-Marchenko’s own bravery led to a life-changing event on 2 February 1943. While attempting to rescue a wounded platoon commander, she sustained serious injuries herself. Both of her legs were broken during the rescue mission. As German soldiers swarmed the battlefield, she feigned death, hoping to escape further harm. Unfortunately, one soldier discovered that she was still alive and brutally attacked her, almost killing her in the process.
Despite the vicious beating, Tusnolobova-Marchenko was not abandoned. A night reconnaissance platoon discovered her unconscious but breathing body and managed to transport her to a field hospital three days later. By this time, her injuries had become severe. She suffered from severe frostbite, and her wounds had become gangrenous. To save her life, doctors had to perform eight surgeries and make the agonizing decision to amputate her left hand, entire right arm, left foot, and right leg up to the knee.
During her recovery, Tusnolobova-Marchenko found solace and strength in writing. She penned an open letter to the soldiers of the 1st Baltic Front, expressing her deep anger and calling for revenge against the Axis powers. In her letter, she vividly described her suffering caused by the fascists and the impact it had on her life. She spoke of writing with a pencil tied to the stub of her elbow, the loss of her brother’s hand, and the death of her husband during the war. Tusnolobova-Marchenko’s letter resonated with many, capturing the pain and resilience of countless individuals affected by the war.
Despite the challenges she faced, Tusnolobova-Marchenko’s indomitable spirit pushed her forward. Her determination and unwavering commitment earned her the esteemed title of Hero of the Soviet Union on 6 December 1957. This recognition acknowledged her extraordinary bravery and demonstrated the immense impact she had on society. Tusnolobova-Marchenko became a symbol of resilience and inspiration for countless individuals.
In 1965, Tusnolobova-Marchenko received the Florence Nightingale Medal from the Red Cross—an honor bestowed upon those who display exceptional devotion and service in the field of nursing. She was the third Soviet woman to receive this prestigious medal, further highlighting her extraordinary contributions to the medical profession and her unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.
Zinaida Tusnolobova-Marchenko’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Throughout her life, she embodied resilience, bravery, and selflessness. Her dedication to serving others, even in the face of immense personal adversity, makes her an inspiration and an integral part of women’s history.
Awards:
– Hero of the Soviet Union (6 December 1957)
– Florence Nightingale Medal (1965)