Pictured: L. Z. Mekhlis, Komkor V. I. Chuikov, and Red Star journalist and chief editor D. I. Ortenberg in Finland during the Winter War of 1939-1940; A diploma signed by Chuikov (lower left-hand side). The citation text reads in part, “Comrade Seregin Vasily Vasilyevich, the Military Council of the 9th Army commemorates your valor, courage shown in the fight against the Finnish White Guards, declares gratitude to you and rewards you for hours.” Western leadership theories te

Pictured: (left to right) L. Z. Mekhlis, Komkor V. I. Chuikov, and Red Star journalist and chief editor D. I. Ortenberg in Finland during the Winter War of 1939-1940. In considering topics for my blog on Marshal Chuikov’s authentic leadership practice, life, and work, I began to research Red Army Commissar of the First Rank Lev Mekhlis and his actions during the Russo-Finnish War and beyond. Known as "Stalin's Grand Inquisitor ," Mekhlis was famously photographed with Komkor