One of Kazakhstan’s oldest veterans, Nikolai Taratunin, passes away

Tengrinews.kz – Veteran of the Great Patriotic War Nikolai Taratunin has passed away, the press service of the Almaty Garrison reported.

"At the age of 103, an era has come to an end — participant of the Great Patriotic War, retired colonel, and honorary veteran of the Border Service, Nikolai Alexandrovich Taratunin, has passed on to his 'final watch.' This is an irreparable loss for all of us. His heroic biography is a living history of courage, duty, and selfless service to the Motherland," the statement reads.

The farewell ceremony for Nikolai Taratunin will take place on July 29 at 11:00 a.m. at 351 Zhansugurov Street. He will be buried at the Burundai cemetery.

Nikolai Alexandrovich was born on April 28, 1923. In 1941, after finishing seven years of school, he volunteered for the front following his two brothers and sister, who did not return from the war.

Taratunin fought on the Western, Stalingrad, and Second Ukrainian fronts, serving in reconnaissance, often carrying out dangerous missions behind enemy lines, delivering valuable intelligence and capturing enemy officers. One such raid ended with the capture of a German supply truck, which he managed to bring back to his unit despite being fired upon by friendly forces.

"Three times wounded, Nikolai Alexandrovich suffered a severe injury during the crossing of the Don in 1943. With shattered legs and an arm, he was declared dead and placed in the 'death room.' However, the next morning, as preparations were being made for burial, he opened his eyes. The doctor, seeing this, exclaimed, 'You’re tough, son! I’ll get you back on your feet,'" the Almaty Garrison previously recounted.

For his wartime heroism, he was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class, two Orders of the Red Star, and numerous medals. In peacetime, he was honored as an Honorary Citizen of Kazakhstan and awarded the Order of "Kurmet," presented to him on the 70th anniversary of Victory.

After the war, Taratunin graduated from the Alma-Ata Infantry School and devoted his life to serving in the Border Troops, guarding the country’s frontiers along the borders with Turkey, Iran, China, and Japan.