Vasili Sergeyevich Arkhipov

For the Soviet Naval officer during the Cuban Missile Crisis, see Vasili Arkhipov.

Vasili Sergeyevich Arkhipov (Russian: Василий Сергеевич Архипов) (1906-1985) was a commander of the Soviet Army during the Great Patriotic War, twice Hero of the Soviet Union and recipient of several other awards. For his leadership of a tank company of the 112th Tank Battalion of the 35th Tank Brigade in the Winter War, Arkhipov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union. Arkhipov commanded the 53rd Guards Tank Brigade from the summer of 1943 and was awarded his second Gold Star for his leadership of the brigade in the Vistula-Oder Offensive. Postwar, Arkhipov commanded the 6th Guards Tank Division, armored forces of the Turkestan Military District, 1st Guards Army. He also served as an adviser to the National People's Army.