Alexander Nikolayev

Alexander Petrovich Nikolayev (Russian: Александр Петрович Николаев; 14 November 1918 – 13 June 2009) was a Red Army senior lieutenant and Hero of the Soviet Union. He received the title Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin for his actions during the Battle of Berlin. Nikolayev also fought in the Siege of Leningrad.

Early life Alexander Nikolayev was born on 14 November 1918 in the village of Strakhinovo in Bezhetsky Uyezd of the Tver Governorate to a peasant family. He graduated from junior high school. After graduation, Nikolayev worked as a shepherd on the farm. In 1935, he moved to Leningrad and became a plumber. In October 1939, he was drafted into the Red Army. for his actions. On 20 April, Nikolayev led his company across the Oder near Schillersdorf, southwest of Stettin. The company held off German counterattacks until the rest of the regiment arrived. In this action, he was wounded again. On 29 June 1945, Nikolayev was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin for his actions during the Oder crossing. He died on 13 June 2009. Nikolayev was buried in the local Dmitrovo-Cherkassy Cemetery.