Chuikov, Vasily Ivanovich (1900–1982)

Soviet general. He joined the Red Army 1918, fighting against the Poles and in the Civil War. He then served as an adviser to Chinese nationalist leader Jiang Jie Shi (Chiang Kai-shek ) 1926–37. He served with distinction in World War II, making his name at the siege of Stalingrad and taking his 8th Guards Army through to Berlin. He held several command positions following the war, finally becoming commander-in-chief Soviet Land Forces 1960.