The Hero of the Soviet Union, Pavel Fyodorovich Koltsov’s centenary anniversary has been celebrated in East Kazakhstan. The war veteran received this high award in 1945 for the battles in Berlin. Pavel Koltsov worked as a driver before 1944.

Pavel Koltsov, Hero of Soviet Union
“I made the troop commit to the attack having a grenade and an assault rifle in my hands. My machinegun was damaged by a bullet so the company stepped up for me.”

Pavel Koltsov, Hero of Soviet Union
“We’ve set up a machinegun and kept shooting so as to hit the target for sure. I saw that explosive bullets hit the combat aircraft which resulted in its catching fire, emitting smoke and falling down.”

The war veteran has devoted almost 20 years to the Zyryanovsk concentrating plant. He has two children, five grandchildren and one great grandson. According to Pavel Fyodorovich, the secret of longevity lies in an active lifestyle and avoiding negative emotions.

Alisa Amirkhanova, Pavel Koltsov’s daughter
“I’ve always admired him for his modesty. He always waited in lines at hospitals on equal terms with everyone. And he stood in line for his pension as he wouldn’t queue-jump because there were old people as well.”

Berdybek Saparbayev, East Kazakhstan regional governor
“We have to take care of you as to make sure that you live well and have everything you need, for example, housing, or free treatment and medicines if necessary.”

The veteran received a two-room apartment and a new car for his centenary anniversary on behalf of the head of state.