About the book: 1968 / The first day of the war was for the author of this book his birthday as a commander. It was on this day, after graduating from military school, that he put on the lieutenant's uniform for the first time. Stalingrad became the highest school of combat skill, courage and perseverance for him. From here I. I. Isakov, already at the head of a rifle battalion, went west to liberate Soviet land from the Nazi invaders. His memories, interesting, intelligent, with many vivid details, vividly reflect this path. They recreate the situation of the war years, with great warmth they draw images of the heroes next to whom the author fought.