General Georgy Zhukov launched a massive Soviet counteroffensive against Army Gr

1941 Event

Zhukov Strikes Back at Moscow: Wehrmacht Reels

General Georgy Zhukov launched a massive Soviet counteroffensive against Army Group Centre on December 5, 1941, using 58 divisions, including fresh Siberian troops equipped and trained for winter warfare. German forces had reached the outskirts of Moscow, with advance units reportedly seeing the Kremlin's spires. But they had outrun their supply lines, lacked winter clothing, and were fighting in temperatures reaching minus 40 degrees. German tanks wouldn't start. Machine guns froze. Zhukov's counterattack pushed the Wehrmacht back 60 to 150 miles from Moscow in six weeks. The offensive shattered the myth of German invincibility and proved the Red Army could win against the Wehrmacht in open combat. Hitler took personal command of the army and forbade retreats. The war in the East would continue for three more years.

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December 5, 1941

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Zhukov Strikes Back at Moscow: Wehrmacht Reels

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