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Ilia KrichevskyHero of the Soviet Union, architect of the design and construction cooperative "Kommunar".
Date of Birth: 03.02.1963
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Content:
- Life and Career
- Professional Architectural Experience
- Military Service
- Literary Pursuits
- August 1991 Putsch and Heroic Death
- Tragedy at the Smolenskaya Square Tunnel
- Fatal Confrontation
- Moment of Bravery
- Recognition and Legacy
- Burial and Memorial
- Legacy as a Hero
Life and Career
Birth and EducationIlya Mikhailovich Krichevsky was born in Moscow in 1964. He completed his secondary education at Moscow's School No. 744 in 1980. In 1986, he graduated from the Moscow Architectural Institute, specializing in architecture.
Professional Architectural Experience
Krichevsky worked as an architect at the State Design Institute No. 6. After his military service, he joined the Project-Building Cooperative "Kommunar" as an architect.
Military Service
Krichevsky served in the Soviet Army from 1986 to 1988 as a junior sergeant.
Literary Pursuits
Krichevsky was also a talented poet. His verses were posthumously included in anthologies such as Yevgeny Yevtushenko's "Strophes of the Century."
August 1991 Putsch and Heroic Death
Protests Against the PutschDuring the August 1991 coup attempt in Moscow, Krichevsky actively participated in protests against the introduction of troops into the city and demanded democratic reforms.
Tragedy at the Smolenskaya Square Tunnel
On the night of August 20-21, Krichevsky was among the citizens who attempted to block the advance of eight BMP (infantry fighting vehicles) of the Taman Motor Rifle Division at the Smolenskaya Square tunnel, where the streets of Tchaikovsky and Novy Arbat intersected.
Fatal Confrontation
As protesters attempted to halt the BMPs by dousing one of them (BMP No. 536) with gasoline, its crew fled the vehicle under a hail of stones and metal rods. While attempting to board BMP No. 521, two members of the burning BMP's crew fired warning shots into the air to cover their comrades' retreat.
Moment of Bravery
In that moment, Krichevsky, urging the soldiers to stop, stepped toward the BMP and received a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Recognition and Legacy
Posthumous Award of Hero of the Soviet UnionBy decree of the President of the USSR on August 24, 1991, Krichevsky was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his "courage and civic heroism in the defense of democracy and the constitutional order of the USSR." He was also posthumously awarded the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star Medal.
Burial and Memorial
Krichevsky was laid to rest at the Vagankovo Cemetery in Moscow, where a monument marks his grave. A memorial sign commemorating his heroism stands above the tunnel on Novy Arbat.
Legacy as a Hero
Ilya Krichevsky is remembered as one of the three defenders of the "White House" (the Russian parliament building) who tragically lost their lives during the August 1991 coup attempt. He is one of the last recipients of the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star Medal, and his heroic sacrifice symbolizes the fight for democracy and civil liberties in the Soviet Union.
