Mikhail Kalashnikov Autograph

Profession:
(1919-2013) Russian small arms designer, developing the AK-47.

Year of Birth: 1919

Mikhail Kalashnikov was born on November 10, 1919, in Kurya, Altai Krai, Russia. He was the 17th of 19 children in his family. His father was a peasant farmer and his mother was a housewife. Growing up in a poor rural village, Kalashnikov developed a strong work ethic and a passion for mechanics.

At the age of 19, Kalashnikov was drafted into the Red Army during World War II. He served as a tank commander and was injured in combat. While recovering in a hospital, he began designing a new type of submachine gun that would become the famous AK-47.

After the war, Kalashnikov continued to improve upon his design and in 1947, the AK-47 was officially adopted by the Soviet Union as its standard issue rifle. The gun became known for its simplicity, reliability, and durability, making it one of the most widely used firearms in the world.

Despite the widespread popularity of the AK-47, Kalashnikov never became wealthy from his invention. He lived a modest life in Izhevsk, Russia, where he worked as a senior adviser for the state-owned Russian defense industry.

Throughout his life, Kalashnikov received numerous awards and honors for his contribution to the field of firearms design. He passed away on December 23, 2013, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered in the world of weaponry.

Today, Mikhail Kalashnikov is remembered as a legendary figure in the history of firearms, whose innovative designs revolutionized the field of small arms production.