Ibarruri Ruben Ruiz

(Years of life 1921 - 1942)

Ruben Ruiz Ibarruri - commander of machine-gun company of training battalion of 35th Guards shooting division, Spaniard. He was son of the famous revolutionary, Chairman of the Communist Party of Spain Dolores Ibarruri, he went to defend new homeland from the first days of the Great Patriotic War. Ruben got baptism of fire in early July 1941 in the battles on the river Berezina. For courage and valor displayed in these battles, he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.

Ruben showed exceptional bravery in the battles of summer in 1942 at Stalingrad, commanding the machine-gun company. At the end of August 1942 difficult situation occured in the area of Kotluban station. The German tanks threatened to cut off Stalingrad from our main forces. In order to eliminate this threat on 23 August 1942 the the vanguard of the 35th Guards shooting division was sent to the station area Kotluban, which included machine-gun company under the command of Ibarruri.

Courageous action of the vanguard and the powerful fire of the machine-gun company stopped the enemy. In this battle, the vanguard's commander died a heroic death. Ruben Ibarruri took command over. Fascists continued incessant attacks. In one night the under the command of Ibarruri reflected six enemy attacks. The enemy suffered heavy losses. On the battlefield, the Germans left over hundreds of dead soldiers and officers, large trophies were captured. Ruben Ibarruri was mortally wounded in this battle,.

The glorious son of the Spanish people, Ruben Ruiz Ibarruri was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for heroism in the fight against the Nazi invaders.