I’m standing, standing with my back to the ranks, - Step forward, but only volunteers! We need to conduct combat reconnaissance, - What’s the object, go and figure there... Who’s with me? With whom to go? So, Borisov... So, Leonov... And also that fellow From the second battalion! We crawl on daises, trying to avoid the mines, - Come on, Sergeant, do not fall behind! After all, at the front two forward lines: Ours and and here it is, their front line. Who’s with me? With whom to go? So, Borisov... So, Leonov... And also that fellow From the second battalion! We cut the wire without any fuss: Pitch black, we couldn’t see where to aim, Enemies helmets about twenty steps from us, - For the same reason, to protect their brain. Who’s with me? With whom to go? So, Borisov... So, Leonov... And also that fellow From the second battalion! Soon "Nadya with chocolate" * will come - At 06.00 an overwhelming mortar fire is on, - Good, that’s what we need, the mission is done - With God, let’s go back to the battalion! Who to return with? Let’s go. So, Borisov... Where is Leonov?! Hey, are you alive? Hey, you, fellow From the second battalion! I don’t leave for myself a single bullet. Bunker destroyed, pillbox detected. And this fellow, that I’ve never met, He is well behaved, I must admit. Who to go with, who stayed alive? Where is Borisov? Where is Leonov? However, this guy survived From the second battalion.                 I stand calmly in front of the ranks. This time I’m standing face to face, - I think, I was honored for reconnaissance, I was awarded and called young brave. Who to crawl with, next time we’re sent? Where is Borisov? Where is Leonov? The young lad felt silent From the second battalion...
© Anatoli Trojanowski. Translation, 2020