History of Ivan Kharchenko in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 23, 2026

Ivan Ustinovich Kharchenko was a Soviet Army military engineering colonel and a Hero of the Soviet Union. During World War II, he served as a platoon commander and was promoted through the ranks. Notably, Kharchenko was renowned for his expertise in defusing explosives. He reportedly personally defused over 50,000 explosives, including a large number of bombs, mines, and shells. His exceptional bravery and skill in neutralizing dangerous ordnance earned him the Hero of the Soviet Union award in 1944. After the war, Kharchenko continued his military service until his retirement in 1964, dedicating his time to neutralizing explosive remnants from the war until 1956.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 1918: Birth of Ivan Kharchenko

In September 1918, Ivan Ustinovich Kharchenko was born.

Others born on this day/year

1938: Joined the Red Army

In 1938, Kharchenko joined the Red Army.

1939: Promotion to Junior Lieutenant

In 1939, Kharchenko was promoted to the rank of junior lieutenant.

1941: Became Under-Lieutenant and Platoon Commander

In 1941 Kharchenko became under-lieutenant and a platoon commander in the 22 Detached Engineering and anti-gas battalion of Local Anti-Aircraft Defence troops.

1942: Returned to the 6th Engineering and Anti-Gas Regiment

In 1942 Kharchenko came back to the unit where he had served in non-commissioned positions — to the 6th Engineering and anti-gas regiment of the NKVD antiaircraft defense troops.

1943: Promotion to Lieutenant

In 1943, Kharchenko was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

1943: Defused German Shells, Mines, and Bombs

In 1943, during the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Kiev, Ivan Kharchenko helped to defuse more than 26,000 German shells, mines and bombs .

November 1944: Awarded Hero of the Soviet Union

On November 2, 1944, Ivan Kharchenko was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin for his actions in defusing unexploded ordnance and mines.