Alexander Gelver
Born1914 (1914)
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died1938 (aged 23–24)
NationalityAmerican

Alexander Gelver (born Helver, 1914 – January 1, 1938) was an American defector to the Soviet Union who was taken there by his parents. Gelver was originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin.[1] At 24 years old, he wanted to return to the United States. He was stopped by Soviet police outside the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. On New Year's Day 1938, he was executed.[1]

In 1997, it was learned that he was executed by the secret police in 1938.[2][3]

References

  1. ^ a b Cullison, Alan (November 9, 1997). "Files Reveal Stalin's Police Killed Americans". Johnson City Press. Johnson City, TN. p. 58. Retrieved March 24, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  2. ^ For American Defectors To Russia, An Unhappy History, National Public Radio, (July 25, 2013).
  3. ^ Alan Cullison, Stalin-Era Secret Police Documents Detail Arrest, Execution of Americans, (November 9, 1997)
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