Summit Gist

The story of Erika Kornelia Szeles, the 15-year-old freedom fighter, 1956 As the Soviets began their conquest to expand their communist ideals, other states surrounding Russia were easy targets. These countries were invaded, and several puppet territories were established and became known as satellite states. One of these countries was Hungary.which was invaded in 1949. Erika was a student at Dobos C. Jozsef Catering School in Pest, and later an apprentice cook at Hotel Bike at Teriz Kvrut 43, Budapest. She was only 15 at the time and grew up in a household with strong communist principles and views. Erika joined a secret uprising with an older friend, who exposed her to anti-communist ideals. She became involved in the 1956 Hungarian uprising against the Soviets, which aimed to liberate Hungary from the Soviet.Union. She learned how to use a machine gun, but due to her young age, she volunteered as a nurse instead. Erika served as a nurse, treating wounded resistance fighters during t...