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Salim AitkulovHero of the Soviet Union, Guards Junior Lieutenant
Date of Birth: 10.01.1913
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Content:
Early Life and Career
Salim Nigmatovich Aitkulov was born on December 28, 1912 (January 10, 1913) in the village of Mukhorsky, now part of the Zhangalinsky district in Kazakhstan. He was of Tatar descent and a peasant by trade. After completing nine grades of education in Uralsk, Kazakhstan in 1930, he worked at a local factory.
Military Service
Aitkulov joined the Red Army in July 1941 and was deployed to the front the same year. He became a member of the VKP(b)/CPSU in 1943.
During the Battle of the Dnieper River, Aitkulov distinguished himself several times. He volunteered for reconnaissance missions, providing valuable intelligence about enemy positions and strength.
Heroism at Dnieper
On September 29, 1943, when the enemy attempted an offensive against Aitkulov's regiment, he assumed command of a platoon. He successfully led his unit in four attacks, repelling nine enemy counterattacks and preventing their advance.
On October 5, 1943, while covering the flank of the regiment, Aitkulov repelled three more enemy counterattacks. Despite being wounded, he remained on the battlefield and continued to command his platoon.
When approached by enemy soldiers attempting to capture him, Aitkulov gathered his remaining strength and threw two grenades, killing four Germans and forcing the rest to retreat. He was heavily injured in the process and was evacuated from the battlefield in critical condition.
Recognition and Legacy
For his extraordinary courage and heroism in the Battle of the Dnieper River, Aitkulov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on October 17, 1943. He also received the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal.
After the war, Aitkulov remained in the reserves as a junior lieutenant. He served as the head of the organizational department of the Ural Regional Consumer Union in Kazakhstan. He passed away on April 24, 1975, and was buried in Uralsk, Kazakhstan.
