Unitprofil #2: Natasha

Natasha Volkova is a Russian folk hero, so much so that hers is a household name (her first name, that is) among Soviet citizens who love to show up in throngs to her staged appearances on national holidays and in military parades. Paraphernalia autographed by this highly decorated Leningrad-born sniper is known to sell for many tens of thousands of rubles, though few Soviets would be unconscionable enough to willingly part with such a treasure.

After all, the Soviet Union has none other so renowned for her astonishing marksmanship, startling beauty, and complete devotion to the Soviet cause. Allegedly, Natasha's natural talent with a rifle was discovered early on by Soviet military recruiters, who worked with the press to make her name and prowess become the talk of the Union--and, before long, the world. While her exploits tend to be exaggerated, she is determined (some say hell-bent) to live up to her living-legend image.