Career
Before 1917 Revolution, schoolteacher. 1917-1918 organizer, Red partisan detachments on Don opposing White forces of General Kaledin and General Krasnov. From mid-1919 brigade comissar, Budyonny’s Cavalry Corps.
From November 1919 Commissar 6th and 11th Cavalry Division, Budyonny’s 1st Cavalry Army.