Despite the lyrics which mention three survivors, there were in fact only two: Sergeant Konstantin Vlasov and Private Gerasim Lapin. Their lives were miraculously spared when they were knocked unconscious. Sergeant Vlasov was captured as a prisoner, but was later able to escape to partisans; Private Lapin was found among the dead by the advancing elements of Soviet Armed Forces.
Despite references to three survivors, there were only two: Sergeant Konstantin Vlasov and Private Gerasim Lapin. Their lives were miraculously spared when they lost consciousness. Sergeant Vlasov was captured but later escaped; Private Lapin was found among the dead by advancing Soviet forces.