A Life Dedicated to Serving the Motherland
On May 9, veteran of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 Tagay Jumamuradov would have turned 100 years old. It so happened that he celebrated his twentieth birthday in Berlin, on the day the capitulation of Nazi Germany was announced. From that day on, Victory Day became a double holiday for him for the rest of his life.
In 1942, at the age of seventeen, he volunteered to join the active army. Before that, he had completed a one-year course at a pedagogical college in the city of Chardzhou (now Turkmenabat). After undergoing short-term military training in Samarkand, he was sent to the front. He joined the Ukrainian front as part of a rifle division and fought until the end of the war.
The young man from Turkmenistan demonstrated courage in the very first battles and showed the ability to find solutions even in the most difficult situations—a common necessity in combat conditions. The command noticed his abilities and appointed him commander of a submachine gun platoon. His pedagogical training helped him find common ground with the soldiers in his unit, who were of various ages, mostly older than him. As a young commander, he did his best to protect his men, which earned him their respect.
During breaks between battles, he conducted training sessions on field combat tactics with his unit. In doing so, he relied on the military knowledge he had gained in Samarkand and his personal combat experience.
Together with his platoon, he reached Berlin and took part in its assault. There, on May 9—his birthday—he received the news of the final defeat of the fascists. He often recalled that day, telling how everyone hugged each other, fired celebratory shots into the air from their guns, and sang wartime songs. Everyone had hope for a quick return home and a peaceful life.
However, the situation at the time did not allow for the immediate demobilization of all soldiers and officers. Tagay Jumamuradov continued to serve in a rifle regiment stationed in northern Germany. Six months after the victory salute, he was demobilized due to health reasons—consequences of wounds sustained in battle.
He returned to his native land decorated with combat orders and medals. Among his honors were the Order of Glory (3rd Class), the Order of the Red Star, and the medals "For Courage," "For Military Merit," and "For the Victory over Germany."
Tagay Jumamuradov could not sit idle. He saw his purpose in continuing to serve his Motherland. After the war, he entered the Ashgabat Officer School of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs, graduating in 1948 with the rank of junior lieutenant. Later, without interrupting his work, he obtained a higher education—graduating from the Faculty of Law at Magtymguly Turkmen State University.
He worked for many years as head of the Department of Internal Affairs of the Chardzhou Regional Executive Committee, from where he retired with the rank of colonel. His impeccable service in internal affairs was recognized with the “For Impeccable Service” medal of all three degrees, the badge “Honored Worker of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” and numerous certificates of honor.
According to retired colonel Hamid Rahmanov, a resident of Turkmenabat, he was fortunate to work under the leadership of Tagay Jumamuradov. He recalls:
"Tagay Jumamuradov was a knowledgeable, honest, and experienced leader. He set high standards for both himself and his subordinates. He treated his staff with paternal care. The pedagogical and legal knowledge he had acquired earlier greatly helped him in his work. He was a role model not only as a leader but also as a person, and he was highly respected and held in great esteem among his colleagues."
Today, his legacy is worthily continued by the younger generation. On the day of the 80th anniversary of Victory and the 100th anniversary of Tagay Jumamuradov, his home will welcome not only his relatives but also those who knew him and those who have heard about him—to honor the faithful son of the Motherland who served it to the end of his days.
