Lev Dovator

Lev Mikhaylovich Dovator (February 20, 1903 - December 19, 1941) was a Soviet major-general who was killed in action during World War II and posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Born at Khotino, Dovator came from a family of peasant Jewish origin. At the start of the German invasion of the Soviet Union, he was posted as Chief of Staff of the Red Army's 36th Cavalry Division. He soon became the commander of a cavalry group, and in August–September 1941 this cavalry group executed the most daring raid through the rear areas of the German army in the area of Smolensk.

During the battle of Moscow, Dovator was the commander of 2nd Guards Cavalry Corps, which fended off the enemy advance at Volokolamsk. He was killed in action on 19 December 1941 near the outskirts of Ruza. He was reportedly cut down by machine-gun fire while crawling towards a forward position to get a better look. Dovator was posthumously given the title Hero of the Soviet Union two days afterward, as well as the Order of Lenin. He was replaced in command by Major General Issa Pliyev.