Soviet Deserter
Comes Over

Here’s the inside story of Russian morale and military spirit, revealed by Private Alexander Lobov, the first Soviet soldier to escape the Red Army and become an American GI.

“Yet I estimated that in my circle of acquaintances in the Soviet Army, 40 percent of them would like to come across the line if they felt they could manage it without harm to themselves or their parents. There are many frightening deterrents, including the firing squad for those who are caught by the Communists. Yet hundreds have tried to come through the Iron Curtain. I am one of the lucky ones who succeeded.”