Kyrgyzstan's Last 'Hero Of The Soviet Union' Dies

Major General Dair Asanov in May of this year

BISHKEK -- The last Kyrgyz "Hero of the Soviet Union" has died at the age of 88, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Major General Dair Asanov was awarded his title on October 1943 for heroic acts during World War II, known in the former Soviet Union as the Great Patriotic War.

From 1985 until 1996 Asanov headed a national military lyceum in Bishkek, which was named in his honor in 2005.

The Kyrgyz government press service told RFE/RL that a special commission will be formed to ensure an honorable funeral service for Asanov.

A total of 75 Kyrgyz citizens were awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union title for their exemplary service during World War II.