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Mehti Ganifa Gusejn-zadeYugoslav partisan, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 22.12.1918
Country:  Azerbaijan |
Content:
- Mehdi Huseyn-Zade
- Military Service and Capture
- Escape and Partisan Resistance
- Heroism and Intelligence
- Notable Operations
- Blowing up a German dining hall in Trieste.
- Infiltrating a German airfield and blowing up enemy aircraft.
Mehdi Huseyn-Zade
Early Life and EducationMehdi Huseyn-Zade, also known as Mikhail, was born on December 22, 1918, in Baku, Azerbaijan. His father was a worker. In 1932, Mehdi enrolled in the Azerbaijan Art School and graduated with distinction. He went on to study at the Leningrad Institute of Foreign Languages in 1937 and later continued his education at the Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute named after V.I. Lenin upon returning to Baku in 1940.
Military Service and Capture
Upon the outbreak of World War II in 1941, Mehdi was drafted into the Soviet Army. He graduated from the Tbilisi Military Infantry School in 1942 and joined the fighting on the Eastern Front in July of the same year. In August 1942, he was severely wounded and captured by German forces. He was held in prisoner of war camps in Italy and Yugoslavia.
Escape and Partisan Resistance
In early 1944, Mehdi escaped from captivity with a group of comrades. He joined the Yugoslav partisans and participated in the Resistance movement in Yugoslavia and Northern Italy.
Heroism and Intelligence
As a partisan, Mehdi displayed extraordinary bravery, agility, and resourcefulness. He was fluent in several languages, had sapper skills, and was an excellent driver.
Mehdi was also a skilled saboteur who led a special detachment of intelligence officers. He often disguised himself as a German officer or a poor peasant to gather intelligence, sabotage enemy positions, and organize attacks.
Notable Operations
Among Mehdi's most famous exploits were:Bombing a German movie theater, killing 80 and injuring 110 fascist soldiers.
Blowing up a German dining hall in Trieste.
Destroying a large fuel depot in Gorizia by timed mine explosion.Liberating 700 prisoners from a jail in Udina, freeing 147 Soviet soldiers.
Infiltrating a German airfield and blowing up enemy aircraft.
Assassination and LegacyOn November 16, 1944, while carrying out a mission to destroy a German ammunition depot, Mehdi encountered a fascist ambush. He fought valiantly but was killed when his ammunition ran out. As a last act of defiance, he shot himself in the heart.
Mehdi Huseyn-Zade was posthumously awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union on April 11, 1957. He was also awarded the Order of Lenin. A monument was erected in his honor in Baku, and streets, a school, and a ship were named after him in Azerbaijan.
Mehdi's bravery and unwavering patriotism continue to inspire generations of people who fight for freedom and justice. His legacy as a courageous partisan and anti-fascist hero remains unyielding.
