Hero of Russia Dies at Age 94

Mikhail Kalashnikov, the designer of the AK-47 died on December 30^th 2013 at the age of 94. He was in his 20s just after World War II, when he created the assault rifle used all over the world, only more popular than the AR-15 because of its cheaper price. Even in adverse conditions the weapon is reliable, rarely jamming and began to be used by Russian armed forces in 1949, still being used today. 

At age 90, Kalashnikov received the highest state honor: Hero of Russia gold star medal. During the ceremony, the son of Siberian peasants, stated he was proud of his invention but also pained to see it used widely by criminals and child-fanatic soldiers. He was a Lieutenant General before retiring from the Russian army.

President Putin attended the funeral ceremony and Kalashnikov will be buried with the Heroes of Russia, formerly the Hero of the Soviet Union list. He will be buried with other heroes like the famous sniper of World War II that was the subject of the film: Enemy at the Gates.