The 87th Separate Turkmen Rifle Brigade played a crucial role in the liberation of Sevastopol, according to newly declassified documents from the Central Archive of the Russian Ministry of Defense. These records highlight the contributions of Soviet republics to the victory in Great Patriotic War.
Despite being far from the frontlines, the Turkmen SSR made a significant contribution to the war effort. More than 300,000 residents of Turkmenistan were drafted into the Red Army, fighting in major battles such as the defense of Moscow, the Battle of Stalingrad, the Caucasus campaign, and the Battle of Berlin.
The archival documents detail the combat history of the 87th Separate Turkmen Rifle Brigade, formed in 1941. Known for its bravery and ability to operate in difficult terrain, the brigade played a decisive role in the battle for Sevastopol, where it faced fierce resistance from German forces.
The Heroism of Sergeant Tahirov
An excerpt from the commendation for Senior Sergeant Aygody Tahirov, a soldier of the 87th Rifle Brigade, describes his extraordinary valor:
"Following intense mortar fire, the enemy launched an assault on our position. A company of drunken German soldiers attacked our outpost. Comrade Tahirov courageously stood his ground despite overwhelming enemy numbers. The defensive line held firm, refusing to retreat even a step. Soon, three of our men fell, leaving Sergeant Tahirov to fight alone against the advancing enemy. Wounded multiple times, he continued firing, preventing the Germans from advancing.
In the heat of battle, he engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Despite suffering further serious injuries, he was eventually captured unconscious by the enemy and taken to their trench. In this one-sided battle, Comrade Tahirov managed to eliminate 47 German soldiers."
For his unwavering bravery and heroism, Senior Sergeant Aygody Tahirov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on TASS materials