was attacked by Nazi Germany. The city became strategically important due to its location. The Red Army was not ready for the war and had to retreat. The Nazis occupied Melitopol on October 6, 1941.
The Wotan Line Battle
After breaking through on the river Mius and defeating Taganrog and Donbas fascist troops, Southern Front army pursuing the retreating enemy came to the Milk River on the 22nd of September 1943. Here, in the basin of the river Germans built a strong long-term defense, calling it the line "Wotan". It is on this line, and the fate of the Crimean peninsula and the whole course of offensive operations in the south was decided.
German defense consisted of four lines, covered with solid antitank ditches and landmines. The first attempt of the Southern Front to break through was unsuccessful. It was decided to prepare thoroughly for the new one the so-called �Melitopol operation�, which was successfully held from the 26th of September to the 5th of November 1943.
Heavy street fighting continued until the 23rd of October. Despite the courage and heroism of the Soviet soldiers the fights lasted long time. In order to keep the city the Germans introduced fresh reserves.
Finally, after many days of fighting the Nazi resistance was broken and on the 23rd of October Melitopol was completely cleared from their army. By the Decrees of the Presidium of the USSR 87 militaries got the title of Hero of the Soviet Union
