[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Grigori Zjukov was an ex-Czarist NCO. After WW 2 he became Minister of Defence under the Chrusjtjov regime. He was however sacked by Chrusjtjov for saying one single wrong word.

There were rumours of a coup détat in Moscow. Premier Chrusjtjov asked the Marshal:

- Are the troops reliable?

- Mr Prime Minister, the troops will only march on my order.

The right answer should be will only march on orders from the Politbureau.

Chrusjtjev became afraid that Zjukov had to much power - sent him on a tour abroad - and in the meantime had him transferred to the retired list.

Picture:
Since I could not find a photo of Grigori Zjukov - Marshal of the Soviet Union - I use the Zjukov medal I was awarded in 1999.