Background
Stepan was born on March 27, 1921, in Polotsk, Vitebsk region, Belarus in the family of the working carpenter.
Stepan was born on March 27, 1921, in Polotsk, Vitebsk region, Belarus in the family of the working carpenter.
He finished 8 classes.
Since he was 12-year-old, he started to work: as a carpenter and a pupil of a blacksmith.
In 1940, he was called up for military service in the Red Army. He served in the engineering and pontoon units of the Odessa Military District.
During the war time, he fought as a part of army on the South, South-West, Stalingradsky, Donsky, Stepnoi, 2nd Ukrainian fronts. He participated in Stalingradsky and Kursky battles, some others combat operations, in one of which he was injured.
In 1943, he became the member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Sergeant Pashkevich Stepan distinguished himself during the Siege of Budapest (December 1944), where his squad and him successfully crossed the river under the crossfire and delivered artillery at the bridgehead.
By the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR’s Decree, March 24, 1945, he was awarded Hero of the Soviet Union title for “exemplary fulfillment of the combat missions during the war against German-fascist invaders and the courage and heroism shown at that time” and received Order of Lenin.
He took part in Vensky and Bratislava-Bronovsky battles.
He was a participant of the Moscow Victory Parade of 1945.
In December 1945, he was demobilized. Lived in Polotsk.
In 1946, he became the director of the industrial complex, then - the chairman of the District Consumers Union
In 1952, he was the director of Sharkovshchina branch of the enterprise "Vitebskoblzagotlenprom", then the director of the Sirotinsky flax plant.
Since 1963, he worked as am engineer on the “Fiberglass” plant in Polotsk.
In 1991, he retired.
He died on March 7, 2014. Pashkevich Stepan Afanas’evich was buried on the “Lesnoye” cemetery in Polotsk.
In 1943, he became the member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Stepan Afanas'evich’s attitude to the youth was very special. He spoke about them with respect and always underlined, that he was proud for the young generation. He was a frequent guest in youth audiences, in schools and military units, taking an active part in the military-patriotic education.
Quotations: “Young people are gold - formed, clever, purposeful. It was easier for us - we walked along the beaten path. Now thousands of paths open to the young, and very difficult to choose the right one among them. I am sure that if the current generation fell into serious trouble, the youth would withstand them with honor”.
Everywhere and throughout Stepan Afanasievich was distinguished by a high sense of duty, honesty, decency, rigor and integrity, attentive and friendly attitude towards people.
This wise man respected by everyone in life was extremely modest.
“The main thing in life is to keep a clean conscience. Everything can be found, but the lost dignity could not be returned.
Physical Characteristics: He was a tall stately man with military bearing.
During the war, he met his future wife Katerina. They had been living together for more than 60 years and had 2 children.