Notes of a Russian Sniper by Vassili Zaitsev

'As a sniper, I've killed more than a few Nazis. I have a passion for observing enemy behaviour. You watch a Nazi officer come out of a bunker, acting all high and mighty, ordering his soldiers every which way, and putting on an air of authority. His henchmen would follow his will, his wishes, and his caprices, to the letter. The officer hasn't got the slightest idea that he only has seconds to live.'

–Vassili Zaitsev–

When Vassili Zaitsev arrived in Stralingrad in October 1942 the average life expectancy of a Red Army soldier was only 24 hours. This figure improved gradually during the battle, partly due to the success of a determined group of snipers, the greatest of whom was Zaitsev. He was also one of the lucky ones; he fought at Stralingrad and lived to tell his tale.

Vassili Zaitsev was born in 1915, and spent his early life as a hunter in the Urals. He joined the Russian navy in 1937 and volunteered for Stalingrad after hearing about the appalling losses. Zaitsev's mastery as a sniper became legendary and he was awarded several times for his skills, including the coveted gold star of the Hero of the Soviet Union.