Who Is Vasily Zaitsev (sniper)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Vasily Zaitsev was born on March 23, 1915, and passed away in 1991. As of 2025, he would have been 110 years old if he were still alive. Zaitsev is renowned for his exceptional skills as a sniper during World War II, particularly during the Battle of Stalingrad. His remarkable ability to eliminate enemy soldiers from great distances made him an iconic figure in military history. The tactics he developed are still studied in modern military training programs.
| Occupation | Other |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1915 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Yeleninskoye, Orenburg Governorate, Russian Empire |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Russia |
| Date of death | 15 December, 1991 |
| Died Place | Kiev, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union |
Popularity
Vasily Zaitsev (sniper)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements of Zaitsev's height and weight during his lifetime have not been conclusively documented, historical accounts suggest that he was approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm) and weighed around 150 pounds (68 kg) at peak fitness. His agility and keen eyesight were crucial to his success as a sniper.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Vasily Zaitsev was married twice during his life. His first wife, whom he married in the late 1930s, supported him during his early military career. Tragically, she passed away during the war. Zaitsev later remarried, and together they raised a family. Specific details about his children are less documented, focusing more on his military achievements and legacy rather than his personal relationships.
Net Worth and Salary
During his lifetime, Zaitsev did not accumulate wealth in the conventional sense, as he served in the military before the establishment of military pensions and recognition of benefits for soldiers. However, his status as a war hero allowed him to receive accolades and commendations that honored his service. Today, the legacy of his bravery and skill propels interest in his story, potentially resulting in considerable posthumous earnings through media adaptations, books, and films.
Career, Business and Investments
Zaitsev’s career was primarily defined by his service in the Soviet Army during World War II. After the war, he continued to serve in various military roles until his retirement. His legacy lives on through numerous books and films that depict his life and achievements, particularly the renowned movie "Enemy at the Gates," which is based on his biography.
Furthermore, while Zaitsev did not engage in business ventures during his lifetime, the strategies and methods he developed as a sniper have been immortalized in military literature and continue to inspire current military practices and training globally.
Zaitsev's accuracy with a rifle led to him becoming a sniper. Zaitsev would conceal himself in various locations, for example on high ground, under rubble, or in water pipes. After a few kills, he would change his position or relocate. Together with his partner, Nikolai Kulikov, Zaitsev perfected his hide and sting tactics.
One method was to cover a large area from three positions, with two men at each point – a sniper and a scout. This tactic, known as the "sixes", is still in use today by Russian forces and was implemented during the Chechen wars.
Social Network
Vasily Zaitsev did not have social media as we know it today, but his story is celebrated through various online platforms, documentaries, and military history forums. His life and tactics are often discussed in context with modern military sniping strategies, ensuring that his remarkable legacy endures through countless articles and tributes.
Zaitsev became a celebrated figure during the war and later a Hero of the Soviet Union, and he remains lauded for his skills as a sniper.
His life and military career have been the subject of several books and films: his exploits, as detailed in William Craig's 1973 book Enemy at the Gates: The Battle for Stalingrad, served as the story for the 2001 film Enemy at the Gates, with Jude Law portraying Zaitsev. He is also featured in David L.
Robbins's 1999 historical novel War of the Rats.
Education
Zaitsev’s formal education is not well-documented, but it is known that he grew up in a Soviet society that valued military service and practical skills. His extensive training as a sniper came from his experiences in the military rather than a traditional academic setting. His legacy emphasizes the importance of practical experience and skill in achieving greatness, especially during times of conflict.
In 1930, Zaitsev graduated from construction college in the city of Magnitogorsk, where he received the speciality of fitter. He also studied accounting.
