Begeldinov, Talgat Iakubekovich

Born Aug. 5, 1922, in the city of Frunze. Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (Oct. 26, 1944 and June 27, 1945); lieutenant colonel. CPSU member since 1943. A Kazakh by nationality.

Begel’dinov volunteered for the Soviet Army in 1940 and graduated from the Chkalov Military Aviation School in 1942. In the Great Patriotic War he rose from pilot to commander of the 144th Guard Attack Aviation Regiment and made more than 300 combat flights. The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was twice conferred on him for courage and daring in attacks on enemy airfields, railroad junctions, strongpoints, fortifications, troops, and materiel. In 1950, Begel’dinov graduated from the Air Force Academy and was deputy commander and chief of staff of an aviation regiment. He served as deputy to the second and third convocations of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. He retired in 1956 for reasons of health. He has been awarded the Order of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner, Orders of the Patriotic War First and Second Class, the Order of Alexander Nevsky, the Order of the Red Star, the Order of Glory Third Class, and also medals.