Mikhail Tukhachevsky, February 16 1893 - March 8, 1955 Tukhachevsky was born near Smolensk to a noble family. In 1909 he was sent to Smolensk Military School and graduated in 1912 as a Lieutenant. He joined the 39th infantry regiment. He served with distinction against the Germans until his capture in 1917. He escaped from his prison camp in Bavaria in March 1918 and spent 6 months making his own way back to Russia. He rejoined the army in November 1918. When the Soviet Union was formed in 1919 he joined the red army. He served with distinction at the seige of Petrograd in April and in May he formed his own regiment at Smolensk. He led this regiment during the seige of Smolensk and was greatly rewarded. His regiment was expanded to an army, the 5th army. He lead this army during the 1st So