Questions about Kliment Voroshilov

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When and where was Kliment Voroshilov born?

Kliment Voroshilov was born on the 4th of February 1881 in Verkhnyeye, a small settlement within the Bakhmut uyezd of the Russian Empire. His father worked as both a railway employee and a miner while facing periods of unemployment throughout his life.

What role did Kliment Voroshilov play during Stalin's Great Purge?

Voroshilov played a central role in Stalin's Great Purge by denouncing military colleagues when asked and personally signing 185 documented execution lists ranking fourth among Soviet leadership after Molotov, Stalin, and Kaganovich. He telephoned Iona Yakir ordering him to travel to Moscow for a Military Revolutionary Council meeting knowing Yakir would be arrested en route.

How did Kliment Voroshilov perform as commander during the Winter War against Finland?

Poor planning and his incompetence as general caused about 320,000 Red Army casualties compared to 70,000 Finnish losses during the Winter War from November 1939 to January 1940. Voroshilov became the scapegoat for initial failures in Finland despite his arguments and was replaced as Defense Commissar by Semyon Timoshenko.

When did Kliment Voroshilov die and how old was he at death?

Kliment Voroshilov died on the 2nd of December 1969 at age 88 after feeling unwell during winter night. Family proposed calling ambulance immediately but he adamantly refused before putting on military uniform and going to hospital fully decorated.

Which honors and awards did Kliment Voroshilov receive throughout his life?

He received Hero of Soviet Union twice with numbers 10840 and 47 awarded respectively along with Order of Lenin appearing eight times across dates spanning 1935 to 1968. He also earned Hero of Socialist Labour number 10268 on the 7th of May 1960 and foreign honors including Hero of Mongolian People's Republic on the 29th of May 1957.