Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev – feat of a hero

(1924 – 1988)

Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev was born on October 19, 1924 in the area of Kyrykkuduk of Akmola Region. At the age of four, he lost his mother, and after his father’s political repression in 1937, he ended up in the Taitobinsky orphanage.

After graduating from the 7th grade in the orphanage, Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev entered the factory apprenticeship school in the suburbs of Balkhash, where he learned not only the working craft, but also the basics of military affairs. He also performed in the school orchestra, playing the dombra and mandolin.

With the beginning of World War II, Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev asked to go to the front line, but at that time he was only 16 years old. In 1942, he ended up in a rifle regiment in Kokshetau, and then was sent to the Tambov Command Infantry School, which was evacuated to Bishkek. In 1944, Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev, having completed his studies with honors, went to the front, where he showed bravery, dedication and courage in defending his homeland. By the end of the war, Lieutenant Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev was the commander of the 1st rifle platoon of the 150th rifle of Idritsa-Berlin Order of Kutuzov division.

On April 30, 1945, Rakhizmhan Koshkarbayev burst into the Reichstag and hoisted the Victory Banner. For his feat he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner in 1945 and the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd degree in 1985.

After the war, Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev was elected as a deputy of the Council of People's Deputies of the city of Almaty. He was a member of the presidium of the Kazakh branch of the War Veterans Committee and the Soviet-German Friendship Society. He wrote two books about his memories during the war: “Victory Banner” and the documentary story “Assault: Day 1410.”

In Kazakhstan they honor their legendary countryman and preserve the memory of his great feat. His name is immortalized in the names of schools, streets and settlements, and memorial plaques, monuments and busts have been erected in his honor. By decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev was posthumously awarded the highest award of our country - “Halyk Kaharmany” (“People’s Hero”). This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev.