Editing Georgy Zhukov (section)

=== Khalkhin Gol ===
In 1938, Zhukov was directed to command the First Soviet [[Mongolian People's Army]], and saw action against Japan's [[Kwantung Army]] on the border between the [[Mongolian People's Republic]] and the Japanese-controlled state of [[Manchukuo]]. The [[Soviet–Japanese border conflicts]] lasted from 1938 to 1939. What began as a border skirmish rapidly escalated into a full-scale war, with the Japanese pushing forward with an estimated 80,000&nbsp;troops, 180&nbsp;tanks and 450&nbsp;aircraft.

These events led to the strategically decisive [[battle of Khalkhin Gol]]. Zhukov requested major reinforcements, and on 20 August 1939, his Soviet offensive commenced. After a massive artillery barrage, nearly 500&nbsp;[[BT-5]] and [[BT-7]] tanks advanced,{{sfn|Coox|1985|p=579}} supported by over 500&nbsp;fighters and bombers.{{sfn|Coox|1985|p=590}} This was the [[Soviet Air Force]]'s first fighter-bomber operation.{{sfn|Coox|1985|p=633}}

The offensive first appeared to be a typical conventional frontal attack. However, employing a [[pincer movement]], a classic cavalry tactic, two tank brigades were initially held back and then ordered to advance around on both flanks, supported by motorized artillery, infantry, and other tanks. This daring and successful maneuver encircled the [[Sixth Army (Japan)|Japanese 6th Army]] and captured the enemy's vulnerable rear supply areas. By 31 August, the Japanese had been cleared from the disputed border, leaving the Soviets clearly victorious.{{sfn|Coox|1985|p=633}}

This campaign had significance beyond the immediate tactical and local outcome. Zhukov demonstrated and tested the techniques later used against the Germans in the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front of the Second World War]]. His innovations included the deployment of [[underwater bridge]]s, and improving the cohesion and battle-effectiveness of inexperienced units by adding a few experienced, battle-hardened troops to bolster morale and overall training.{{sfn|Coox|1985|pp=991–998}}

Evaluation of the problems inherent in the performance of the BT tanks led to the replacement of their fire-prone petrol (gasoline) engines with [[diesel engine]]s. This battle provided valuable practical knowledge that was essential to the Soviet success in development of the [[T-34]] medium tank used in World War II. After this campaign, veterans were transferred to untested units, to better spread the benefits of their battle experience.{{sfn|Coox|1985|p=998}}

For his victory, Zhukov was declared a [[Hero of the Soviet Union]]. However, the campaign—and especially Zhukov's pioneering use of tanks—remained little known outside the Soviet Union. Zhukov considered Khalkhin Gol to be invaluable preparation for conducting operations during the Second World War.{{sfn|Coox|1985|p=996}} In May 1940, Zhukov became an army general, making him one of the eight high-ranking Red Army officers.