Alexander Kirillovich Gutnov

Alexander Kirillovich Gutnov was born in 1920 in Vladikavkaz, into the family of Kirill Solomonovich Gutnov and Ekaterina Timofeyevna Gutnova.

He graduated from School No. 16 in Vladikavkaz and went on to higher education at an institute. He loved reading and the theatre, and took part in productions of the drama club.

In 1942, at the age of 20, he was drafted into the Red Army, where he served as a medical instructor of the 25th Cavalry Regiment, 11th Guards Airborne Cossack Cavalry Division, 5th Guards Don Cossack Cavalry Corps, Northern Group of Forces of the Transcaucasian Front.

He fought near Rostov in April-May 1942. He drowned on 25 August 1944 at the age of 24. He is buried at the Russian cemetery in the city of Yevpatoria.

In December 1942, during fighting in the Korgov-Kizilov area, serving as a submachine gunner, he killed eight enemy soldiers. For his steadfastness and courage he was awarded the Order of the Red Star.

Zefira Butaeva tells the story of Alexander Gutnov in “No One Is Forgotten!?”