 |
Karl PaukerOne of the heads of state security agencies
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Karl Pauker: Stalin's Faithful Bodyguard
- Military Service and Political Affiliation
- Rise to Power
- Stalin's Trusted Aide
- Extensive Security Measures
- Rewards and Downfall
Karl Pauker: Stalin's Faithful Bodyguard
Early Life and EducationKarl Pauker was born in January 1893 in Lviv, Austria-Hungary. The son of a Jewish barber, he received his education at the Communist University named after Ya.M. Sverdlov in 1920. By profession, he was a barber.
Military Service and Political Affiliation
Pauker served in the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I. He was captured as a prisoner of war by the Russians in 1916. In 1917, he joined the Bolshevik Party and was assigned to work for the Cheka, the Soviet secret police.
Rise to Power
Pauker became a close associate of Vyacheslav Menzhinsky, the head of the Cheka. After Lenin's death in 1924, Menzhinsky dismissed Abram Belenky, the head of the Kremlin guard, and appointed Pauker as Stalin's personal bodyguard.
Stalin's Trusted Aide
Alexander Orlov, a former Soviet intelligence officer, wrote that Pauker "suited Stalin's taste... Absolutely everything related to Stalin and his family passed through Pauker's hands. Not a single piece of food could appear on the leader's table without his knowledge. No one could be admitted to Stalin's apartment or his country house without Pauker's approval."
Pauker catered to Stalin's preferences, such as his desire to appear taller. He designed special boots with unusually high heels, partially hidden in the back.
Extensive Security Measures
Under Stalin's leadership, his personal security apparatus grew significantly. Pauker supervised a force of thousands of secret agents and special military units guarding Stalin's every move. The route from the Kremlin to Stalin's country estate alone was protected by over 3,000 agents and patrols.
Pauker himself would always accompany Stalin in his car, dressed as an army commander.
Rewards and Downfall
Stalin generously rewarded Pauker for his loyalty. He gifted him with two cars and numerous awards, including the Order of Lenin.
However, in 1937, Pauker was arrested and executed under false accusations of being a "German spy."
