Alexander Petrovich Nikolayev (Russian: Александр Петрович Николаев; 14 November 1918 – 13 June 2009) was a Red Army senior lieutenant and Hero of the Soviet Union.

He received the title Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin for his actions during the Battle of Berlin.

[1][2][3] Alexander Nikolayev was born on 14 November 1918 in the village of Strakhinovo in Bezhetsky Uyezd of the Tver Governorate to a peasant family.

[1][2] Nikolayev fought in the Winter War as a driver in the 824th Motor Transport Battalion.

When the tank brigade was sent to reform in the area of Staraya Russa, Nikolayev transferred to become a driver in the 128th Rifle Division's 15th Motor Transport Battalion.

After letting the German troops advance a hundred meters, the platoon opened fire with machine guns.

He became a candidate member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in February and was promoted to junior lieutenant.

After the patrol had captured two German prisoners and was preparing to withdraw, it was ordered to occupy the trench.

[1][2] After being discharged from the hospital, Nikolayev was sent to the "Vystrel" Commander's Courses in Sverdlovsk, from which he graduated in March 1943.

Nikolayev continued to fight in combat and participated in the capture of Graudenz in January 1945 and the East Pomeranian Offensive.

[6] On 20 April, Nikolayev led his company across the Oder near Schillersdorf, southwest of Stettin.

On 29 June 1945, Nikolayev was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union[7] and the Order of Lenin for his actions during the Oder crossing.

In September 1947, he was hired by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and worked in various positions in the forced labor system.