Following the heavy air strikes and artillery preparation that began Germany's short-lived Operation Citadel, panzergrenadiers and tanks from the Grossdeutschland Division hit the 3rd Mechanized Corps in full force. The Soviets were set in dug-in positions along a ridge line, hoping to deliver flanking fire in what might be termed a target-rich environment. The 1st Guards Tank Brigade, assigned to some high ground, was ordered to hold back the Germans and inflict as many casualties as possible.
