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Yakov AlekseevGuards Sergeant of the Red Army, commander of a machine gun squad, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 25.12.1919
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- World War II Service
- Bravery at Buh Estuary
- Recognition and Honors
- Post-War Life
- Awards
Early Life and Career
Yakiv Savvovich Alekseev was born on December 25, 1919, in the village of Kuzmin, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Ukraine. After completing his incomplete secondary education, he worked on a collective farm from 1935 until his conscription into the Red Army in 1939.
World War II Service
Alekseev fought on the front lines of the Great Patriotic War from 1941. He served in the 1st Guards Fortified Region on the Southern, 3rd, and 4th Ukrainian Fronts.
Bravery at Buh Estuary
In March 1944, Alekseev's machine gun platoon crossed the Buh Estuary and established a beachhead on the right bank. They captured Luporeva Balka, a heavily fortified German position.
As the Germans counterattacked with overwhelming force, Alekseev took an open firing position under heavy enemy fire and held them back. Despite being surrounded, he continued to mow down German soldiers until his machine gun was damaged.
Undeterred, Alekseev picked up a grenade and charged at the enemy, inspiring his fellow soldiers to victory. He personally killed approximately 50 enemy soldiers in this intense battle.
Recognition and Honors
On June 3, 1944, Alekseev was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union for his extraordinary bravery and leadership in the battle at the Buh Estuary. He was also awarded the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star Medal.
Post-War Life
After the war, Alekseev worked as a sugar factory worker and later as a deputy chairman of a collective farm. He moved to Poltava in 1960 and became a controller at a local industrial enterprise.
Alekseev was actively involved in educating young people about military history and patriotism. He died on January 18, 1998.
Awards
- Hero of the Soviet Union- Order of Lenin
- Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class
- Medal "For Victory over Germany"
- Jubilee Medals for the 20th, 30th, and 40th Anniversaries of the Victory
