Alexei Arapov
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Alexei Nazarovich Arapov (14 March 1906 – 14 September 1943) was a Soviet officer, chief of staff of the 3rd Guards Airborne Division, and a Hero of the Soviet Union. Arapov was awarded the title posthumously for his leadership during the Battle of the Dnieper.
Alexei Nazarovich Arapov | |
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Native name | Алексей Назарович Арапов |
Born | 14 March 1906 Verkh-Neyvinsky, Yekaterinburgsky Uyezd, Perm Governorate |
Died | 14 September 1943(1943-09-14) (aged 37) near Haivoron, Bakhmach Raion, Chernigov Oblast |
Allegiance | Soviet Union |
Service/ | Airborne |
Years of service | 1928–1943 |
Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
Unit | 3rd Guards Airborne Division |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards |
Drafted into the Red Army in 1928, Arapov became an officer and graduated from the Frunze Military Academy soon after the beginning of the German invasion of the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941. Serving as a staff officer in the 50th Army during the Battle of Moscow, Arapov distinguished himself and when the 8th Airborne Corps was formed in the fall of 1942, he became its chief of staff. The corps was soon converted into the 3rd Guards Airborne Division, and Arapov stayed on as chief of staff for the new division. Killed in a German air raid during the Battle of the Dnieper, he was posthumously awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his actions.