A neatly framed portrait of Ernest Hemingway hangs in Vitaly Zakrutkin’s office. This gift from his friends was cherished by Vitaly Zakrutkin, as Hemingway was one of his favorite writers. The American novelist, journalist, and winner of 1954 Nobel Prize in Literature enjoyed immense popularity in the Soviet Union; his works were translated, published, widely read, and known even by schoolchildren.

Vitaly Aleksandrovich Zakrutkin often read excerpts from the works of the American writer, including “A Farewell to Arms”, “Men Without Women”, and his favorite novel, “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. This latter book was inspired by his experiences during the Spanish Civil War.

Zakrutkin admitted that he was captivated by the American writer’s ability to remain true to the central themes of his work — love and the search for happiness, as well as man’s responsibility for nature and the future of the Earth.

Zakrutkin and Hemingway shared the common experience of serving as war correspondents during the conflict, contributing to the fight against fascism. Hemingway participated in missions with British Air Force pilots, documenting significant historical moments, including the Normandy landings. In August 1944, he entered Paris alongside American troops.

Vitaly Zakrutkin participated in the storming of Berlin, taking photographs with his comrades against the backdrop of the defeated Reichstag, and received awards for his military exploits. The war correspondent was awarded one of the orders for commanding a battalion for several hours, leading the fighters into an attack after the battalion commander was seriously wounded. Marshal Georgy Zhukov presented Vitaly Zakrutkin with the Order of the Red Banner for his bravery.

The writer Mikhail Andriasov recounted Zhukov’s words,