Vladimir Gittis

Vladimir Mikhailovich Gittis was a Soviet military commander and komkor. He fought in the Imperial Russian Army during World War I before going over to the Bolsheviks during the subsequent Civil War. He was a recipient of the Order of the Red Banner (1919). He commanded the forces in Leningrad following the end of the civil war. During the Great Purge, he was arrested on 28 November 1937. His name appeared on the death list of 20 August 1938 which was signed by Joseph Stalin and Vyacheslav Molotov. He was convicted that day by the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court of the Soviet Union of espionage and sentenced to death. He was executed two days later at Kommunarka.