Pavlos Kouroupis
Greek soldier (1929–1974) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Pavlos Kouroupis (Greek: Παύλος Κουρούπης; 1929 – 22 July 1974)[1] was an officer in the Hellenic Army.[8] At the time of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Kouroupis was a Colonel[2][3][4] and CO of the 251st Battalion of the Cypriot National Guard, the unit closest to the Turkish landing site. With his unit, Kouroupis opposed the Turkish army at the Battle of Pentemili beachhead, stalling its advance for two days.[5] Kouroupis was forced to retreat before numerically far superior Turkish forces and is considered the first missing person of the conflict.[5] Kouroupis was presumed dead during the defence of Kyrenia.[9][10]
Pavlos Kouroupis | |
---|---|
Born | 1929 (1929) Dentra, Messenia, Greece |
Disappeared | 22 July 1974 (aged 44–45)[1] Kyrenia, Cyprus |
Status | Missing for 49 years, 10 months and 8 days |
Nationality | Greek |
Education | Evelpidon Military Academy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki |
Occupation | Colonel[2][3][4] |
Known for | First commanding officer defending Cyprus during the start of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, first disappearance of the conflict.[5] |
Spouse | Maria (Mary)[6][7] Kouroupis (née Karvouni) |
Children | 1 |
Awards | Lieutenant General (posthumously) |
According to published reports in the Greek press, the Greek Intelligence Agency attempted a rescue of Kouroupis and other Greek Army officers who were held captive in Turkey. The rescue operation failed and Kouroupis' fate is unknown. He was posthumously awarded the rank of Lieutenant General of the Hellenic Army, the highest military rank of the Hellenic Army. Pavlou Kouroupi Street, in the Aglantzia suburb of Cyprus' capital Nicosia is named after him.