Battle of Stalingrad from the Stalingrad Front's Political Department on 8 October 1942 that: "The defeatist mood is almost eliminated and the number of treasonous incidents is getting lower" as an example of the sort of coercion Red Army soldiers experienced under the Special Detachments (later to be renamed SMERSH). On the other hand, Beevor noted the often extraordinary bravery of the Soviet soldiers in a battle that was only comparable to Verdun, and argued that terror alone cannot explain such self-sacrifice. Richard Overy addresses the question of just how important the Red Army's coercive methods were to the Soviet war effort compared
Defender of the Motherland Medal is awarded by decree of the President of Ukraine. It is presented by the President, heads of central and local executive power bodies, leaders of military formations and foreign representatives. The medal may be awarded posthumously. The "Defender of the Motherland" Medal may be revoked by the President of Ukraine in cases of the recipient being convicted of a grave crime. Defender of the Motherland Medal The "Defender of the Motherland" Medal () is a commemorative medal awarded by Ukraine. It was established on 8 October 1999 by presidential decree № 1299. An award of the President of Ukraine, the