Oka Gorodovikov

Oka Ivanovich Gorodovikov (; – 26 February 1960) was a Red Army cavalry general and Hero of the Soviet Union of Kalmyk descent.

Early life Gorodovikov was born on 1 October [O.S. 19 September] 1879 to a Kalmyk peasant family of the Mokraia El'muta khutor, Salsky District, within the Don territory. Starting from 8 years old, rather than receive an education, he would work various jobs: these being as a shepherd, a herdsman, and a mine worker. Gorodovikov would join the Communist Party (Bolsheviks) in 1919.

After the Civil War, Gorodovikov spent over a decade in military education, completing several courses: the nine-month Higher Academic Courses in 1922; advanced training courses for senior commanders at the Frunze Military Academy in 1927; courses for commanders at the Tolmachev Military-Political Academy in 1930; with him finally graduating from the Frunze Military Academy in 1932. center

Gorodovikov retired in 1947 with pension. During his career he earned many awards as well as the title of Hero of the Soviet Union in 1958 after retiring: +AwardsDateCountryOrder of the Red Banner (6)25.07.1920, 13.03.1922, 22.02.1933, He was also given several other medals, honorary weapons, and gold, personalised watches.

Death and legacy Gorodovikov died on 26 February 1960 and was buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow but even before his death he began to be immortalised: in celebration of him being awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union, streets in Lipetsk and Rostov-on-Don were renamed in his honour and later, in 1971, the town of Bashanta became the town of Gorodovikovsk. Five years later an equestrian statue of the general was unveiled in a square of Elista, the capital of Kalmykia, and still stands to this day. thumb A 1979 postcard depicting Oka Gorodovikov wearing the Hero of the Soviet Union medal.