The book, which is based on historical documents, tells the story of the life and work of the hero of the defense of Port Arthur, Roman Isidorovich Kondratenko. It was under his leadership that the defense system of Port Arthur was actually re-created in the shortest possible time; he directly supervised the repulsion of four assaults on the fortress. “Our general” - that’s what the soldiers called him. Quiet and modest in everyday life, impeccably honest and devoted to duty, finding himself in the extreme conditions of a real war, he showed enormous moral strength and heroism. “General Kondratenko was everything for Port Arthur - strength, soul, thought, and the spirit of heroism,” his contemporaries spoke of him. The book, the release of which is timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), will is of interest not only to regular military personnel, but also to anyone interested in the history of Russia.