Abdraim Reshidov

Abdraim Izmailovich Reshidov (Crimean Tatar: Abduraim İsmail oğlu Reşidov, Russian: Абдраим Измайлович Решидов; 8 March 1912 – 24 October 1984) was the deputy commander of the 162nd Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment of the Soviet Air Forces during World War II, known as the Great Patriotic War in the USSR. In 1945 while he held the rank of Major he was declared a Hero of the Soviet Union for his first 166 missions in a Pe-2 during the war. After the war he was heavily involved in the Crimean Tatar civil rights movement, and swore to the government that he would publicly commit self-immolation if they continued to refuse him the right of return.

Quotes

• For the heartless attitude towards my fate, as a former officer-pilot of party and Soviet bodies, from authorities of the city of Simferopol, first secretary of the city committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine comrade M.V. Revkin and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Comrade Comrade Lozovoy, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Great October Revolution, if upon refusal to permit my residence, on 6 or 7 November 1967, I shall end my life by self-immolation. — Hero of the Soviet Union Reshidov, former commander of the air regiment.
  • «За бездушное отношение к моей судьбе, как к бывшему офицеру-лётчику партийных и советских органов, властей города Симферополя, первого секретаря горкома КП Украины тов. М.В.Ревкина и председателя горисполкома тов. Лозового, в честь 50-летия Великого Октября, в знак отказа в удовлетворении жилплощадью мне, 6-7 ноября 1967 года кончаю жизнь самосожжением... Герой Советского Союза Решидов, бывший командир авиаполка».
  • Reshidov's telegram to Vershinin declaring that he will commit self-immolation in Lenin square if he is not allowed a residence permit in his Crimean homeland. Source: Simonov, Andrey. Решидов Абдраим Измайлович. Герои страны.