World War II's Deadliest Snipers

Not much is known about Ivan Ivanovich Larkin. However, in the 10 years preceding WWII, the Soviet Union uniquely established specialized sniper units. The high level of proficiency of these Soviet snipers is evident in the impressive statistics associated with them. Their training and aptitude in this area significantly outshone that of other countries during that era.

Conscripted into the German army at age 17, Matthaus Hetzenauer served in the 140th Mountain Rifle Reinforcement Battalion in Kufstein, Austria, a crucial defensive and operational post along the Eastern Front. As a sniper, he deftly wielded two types of rifles — the Karabiner 98k and the Gewehr 43. Deployed to Carpathia, Hungary, and Slovakia, Hetzenauer’s strategy notably targeted Soviet commanders, machine gunners, and other high-value targets.

Before and throughout WWII, the Soviet Union was globally recognized for its superior sniping ability. A significant portion of its military strategy focused on the deployment of snipers for long-range suppressive fire and targeting enemy commanders. While Philipp Yakovlevich Rubaho is one of the top Soviet snipers, not much is known about him.

Not much is known about Abdukhani Idrisov and his service in the Soviet Army, but it is widely known that the Soviets greatly relied on the sniper as an invaluable tool of war. As per various accounts, the importance of snipers was so pronounced that at least one was typically included in both infantry and reconnaissance platoons.

As indicated by historical records, the high kill statistics for Soviet snipers during WWII are attributed to several factors. Their expert marksmanship was complemented by a comprehensive understanding of the battlegrounds, enabling them to camouflage effectively. Additionally, their familiarity with the territories, particularly those invaded by the Germans, offered a significant strategic advantage. Unfortunately, not much is known about Ivan Petrovich Antonov, other than his impressive kill count.

The Soviet Union emerged as the leading nation during WWII in terms of proficient snipers, surpassing all other global powers. This was due to their sustained focus on the training and development of sniper teams during the 1930s when many other countries were dissolving their specialized sniper units. Consequently, the USSR held the distinction of having the most highly trained sharpshooters worldwide. Semen D. Nomokonov is one of these snipers but not much is known about him.

Although not much is known about Pyotr Alexeyevich Goncharov, he is among the ranks of the best-trained Soviet snipers of the era. In the course of WWII, the Red Army implemented a sniper training program that involved over 400,000 participants. Among these trainees, more than 9,000 were able to develop and demonstrate advanced proficiency in their skills.

Vasily Zaitsev was a renowned sniper in the Soviet military who reportedly engaged in a high-stakes duel with Erwin König, the Wehrmacht’s reputed ace sniper, during the Battle of Stalingrad. The duel, which Zaitsev purportedly won, is primarily documented by Soviet records and Zaitsev’s personal accounts.

Due to a lack of records, some believe Erwin Konig did not exist but was a device of Russian propaganda designed to boost Vasili Zaitsev’s record. Still, the story of Konig and Zaitsev would become the stuff of legend as the critically acclaimed movie, “Enemy at the Gates,” would go on to depict their duel in the Battle of Stalingrad.

A distinguished Ukrainian Senior Sergeant and proficient sniper, Stephan Petrenko notably contributed to the Soviet Union’s reputation of having the most adept snipers during WWII. He was born in 1922 and died in 1984. In recognition of his heroic deeds, Petrenko was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union Award in 1945, one of the highest honors in the USSR.

In the 10 years prior to WWII, the Soviet Union stood alone in its decision to specifically train sniper units. This strategic move was reflected in the evident superiority of its snipers, as evidenced by the high figures attributed to their sharpshooters. Notwithstanding the highest-ranking sniper on the record, the vast majority of top-ranked snipers were from the Soviet Union, underscoring their preeminence in this area. Afanasy Gordienko is one of these such snipers but little is known about him.

Notable marksman Vasilij Ivanovich Golosov holds a record of 422 confirmed kills during WWII, a figure that includes approximately 70 enemy snipers. He was one of the 261 individuals who received the prestigious Distinguished Sniper Award from the Soviet Union, an honor bestowed on those who have over 50 kills.

One of the Soviet Union’s most highly trained snipers was Fyodor Trofimovich Dyachenko, who demonstrated remarkable prowess by achieving 425 confirmed kills. His strategic focus was on eliminating officers whose loss would significantly impact the enemy. In recognition of his significant contribution to military operations, Dyachenko was honored with the Distinguished Service Cross by the USSR.

Serving as a sniper in the Red Army, Fyodor Matveyevich Okhlopkov had an impressive 429 confirmed kills. Despite his effectiveness, it was not until 1965 that he was recognized as a Hero of the Soviet Union and received the Order of Lenin. This delay was allegedly due to his Yakut ethnicity.

Sergeant Mikhail Ivanovich Budenkov made an indelible mark with his exceptional combat record. His sniper kills alone numbered 437, not including those carried off with other weaponry. Budenkov’s achievements underscore the effectiveness of Soviet training and dedication during the war.

Vladimir Pchelintsev ranks fifth among snipers in WWII with 456 reported kills. His profound familiarity with the battlegrounds he fought on played a key role in his success, unlike other soldiers unfamiliar with the terrain. His knowledge of the landscape and ability to camouflage effectively contributed heavily to his elevated kill statistics.

Former locksmith Nikolay Yakovlevich Ilyin transformed into a formidable sniper for the Red Army, amassing 494 confirmed kills, primarily during the Battle of Stalingrad. Despite dying in combat in 1943, his significant contributions to the Soviet war effort were honored with multiple high-ranking awards after the war’s conclusion in 1945.

Self-taught sniper and former art student Ivan Mihailovich Sidorenko distinguished himself as the most prolific marksman in the Soviet Union during WWII. Drafted in 1939, he honed his sniping skills during the Battle of Moscow. An injury in 1944 shifted his role to an instructor, sharing his expertise with future snipers. He was honored as a Hero of the Soviet Union for his contributions.

Known as “The White Death,” Simo Hayha showcased extraordinary sniping skills in WWII. Over 100 winter days, he amassed over 500 kills, triggering numerous unsuccessful Soviet counter-attacks. Tragically, a counter-sniper explosive round hit him in the jaw, resulting in an 11-day coma.