| Erno Gergely | |
| Fictional Character | |
| The Hot War POD: November, 1950 | |
| Appearance(s): | Bombs Away through Armistice |
| Type of Appearance: | Direct |
| Nationality: | Hungary |
| Date of Birth: | c. 1920 |
| Occupation: | Soldier |
| Political Party: | Arrow Cross Party |
| Military Branch: | Royal Hungarian Army (World War II), Hungarian People's Army (World War III) |
Erno Gergely (b. c. 1920) was a sergeant in the Hungarian People's Army. He'd served during World War II, first under Miklos Horthy and then under the Arrow Cross, surviving the fight on the eastern front. Incredibly, rather than liquidate him after the war, the new communist government of Hungary allowed Gergely to remain in the army by the time World War III broke out.[1]
He was mobilized with the rest of the Hungarian People's Army after the United States and the Soviet Union traded atomic bomb attacks between 23 January and 1 February 1951.[2] Gergely impressed his unit with his brusque manner, his expertise with profanity, and his storied history.[3]
Gergely was aware of the strengths and weaknesses of his men. He was impressed with Tibor Nagy, and intended to recommend him for a promotion to lance corporal.[4] Unfortunately, Nagy was killed in April before he could be promoted.[5] So Gergely decided to give the promotion to Istvan Szolovits.[6] He also realized how little Szolovits actually cared for the Soviet cause, and suggested Szolovits not do anything stupid, like surrendering.[7]
References
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