The collapse of the Soviet Union had opened the history of the Red Army to the West, providing a more complex picture of World War II than was previously available. This book illustrates particular problems, combat situations and the functioning of the Soviet Army, in its struggle with the German and Japanese armies.

The collapse of the Soviet Union has opened the history of the Red Army to the West, providing a more complex picture of World War II than was previously available. Details of the struggle between the Soviet forces and the Axis powers can now be seen through the efforts of veterans such as Colonel Dmitriy Loza. Loza draws on his own experiences and those of acquaintances to illustrate particular problems, combat situations, and the functioning of the Soviet army in its struggle with the German and Japanese armies.

Dmitriy Loza is a Hero of the Soviet Union, the USSR's highest designation for bravery, and he was decorated for his role in the capture of Vienna. He served in a brigade that fought in the Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Manchuria. He now resides in Moscow.