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Ibraim SuleimenovSniper, participant of the Great Patriotic War
Date of Birth: 01.01.1908
Country:  Kazakhstan |
Content:
- Legendary Sniper of the Great Patriotic War
- Unexpectedly Gifted
- A Sniper's Journey
- Protecting His Homeland
- A Fatal Encounter
- A Hero's Aftermath
Legendary Sniper of the Great Patriotic War
Ibrahim Suleimenov: A Kazakhstani SniperIbrahim Suleimenov, a legendary Kazakhstani sniper, instilled fear in his Nazi enemies and trained talented apprentices. His name echoed through the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War, inspiring his comrades and sending shivers down the spines of the enemy.
Unexpectedly Gifted
In the autumn of 1942, Suleimenov, a former farm tractor operator from the Sary-Su district, found himself on the front lines. His path toward becoming a sniper was somewhat serendipitous. While escorting Battalion Commander Ushakov, an enemy sniper's bullet struck the snow beneath his feet. Suleimenov, trailing behind, swiftly shielded his commander, alerting him to the presence of a Nazi sharpshooter. Following Suleimenov's advice, Ushakov crouched low, guided by the Kazakh proverb, "Patience is the best salvation," while Suleimenov sought out their opponent. Scrutinizing the horizon with unwavering focus, Suleimenov eventually spotted the enemy sniper. He placed his cap to his left, which drew fire from the German. With lightning-fast reflexes, Suleimenov retaliated, hitting the Nazi sniper in the forehead with a single shot.
A Sniper's Journey
Days later, Battalion Commissioner Raimzhan Askeev presented Suleimenov with a high-powered sniper rifle with excellent optics. "Ibrahim, your rifle number begins with 47," the commander announced. "Your goal is to eliminate 47 Nazis." "Only 47? That's not enough, Captain," Suleimenov replied with a grin.
Suleimenov honed his skills under intense combat at Rzhev alongside other talented shooters. With his new rifle, he eliminated 39 enemy soldiers and officers, earning him the "For Combat Merits" medal. As recorded in his award certificate, during an offensive near Berezki village in the Kalinin region, he neutralized approximately 15 enemy snipers and fire coordinators. He also located an incapacitated company commander, reconnected with platoons, and aided around 30 injured soldiers and commanders.
Transferred to Velikiye Luki, Suleimenov's tally grew to 160, leading to his nomination for the Order of the Red Star. His fame spread among Nazi forces, who began to fear and avoid him. According to information from Army Chief of Staff Major General Zuev, Suleimenov not only fought with exceptional skill but also trained many talented snipers, including his comrade and sniper partner, Bergebay Abdykerimov.
Protecting His Homeland
Suleimenov's determination to excel as a marksman was fueled by his profound empathy for civilians who had suffered under Nazi tyranny. He vowed to oppose the invaders with unwavering resolve to safeguard his beloved homeland.
As an experienced hunter, Suleimenov possessed exceptional shooting skills before the war, honed through his pursuit of game in the vast steppes. He perceived the Nazis as "wild beasts" and his marksmanship enabled him to neutralize them with deadly accuracy. Throughout his service as a sniper-observer in the 2nd Battalion of the 100th Independent Rifle Brigade, Suleimenov eliminated 239 German soldiers and officers within a year.
A Fatal Encounter
Stories abound of the fear Nazi soldiers had in taking up positions, terrified of falling victim to the legendary sniper. Attempts to eliminate Suleimenov proved futile, with even the enemy's most skilled sharpshooters failing. The Germans resorted to bombing suspicious locations, but Suleimenov always managed to evade their attacks.
Tragically, Suleimenov's remarkable journey came to an end in October 1943. During a fierce battle near the Izoch station, he fought alongside the renowned Manshuk Mametova. Together, they held their positions resolutely, but when their ammunition ran out, Suleimenov charged into hand-to-hand combat. Amidst the chaos and the sound of reinforcements' victorious cries of "Hurrah!" he sustained fatal injuries.
A Hero's Aftermath
In the aftermath of the battle, both Ibrahim Suleimenov and Manshuk Mametova were posthumously nominated for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. While their recommendations were supported by the army and the front, the final decision rested with Moscow. Regrettably, only Manshuk Mametova received the prestigious award, while Suleimenov was posthumously honored with the Order of Lenin.
"My brother was kind and caring, always looking after his younger siblings," recalls his 86-year-old sister, Aitkul Suleimenova. "He was an excellent marksman with a rifle, which helped him on the front lines." She remembers his promise to return home as a victor, a promise made when he was inducted into the army when she was just six years old. "He triumphed in the memory and hearts of many," she says, expressing her joy at the President of Kazakhstan awarding her brother's accolades.
Years later, the well-deserved recognition finally reached its hero. "Our mother always dreamt of this, and we are proud of her accomplishment," says Aitkul Suleimenova's son, Yerthai Zhumadilov. "We have waited almost 80 years for this moment. It is right that the authorities do not forget our veterans. They fought for our sake and gave us a second life."
