 Complete the following phrase:  In September 1941, Rudkin was appointed a department head in the automobile and tank directorate of the Karelian Front, fighting in World War II. In June 1942, he transferred to become deputy head of the Stalingrad Light Armored Training Center, and fought in the Battle of Stalingrad. Rudkin took command of the 215th Tank Brigade in the Moscow Military District in August, but became commander of the 179th Tank Brigade in November, fighting on the Southern Front and the Southwestern Front. Between 14 January and 14 March 1943, the brigade fought in the OstrogozhskRossosh Offensive, Operation Star, and the 