Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation to Alexei Berest, who commanded the fighters who hoisted the Victory Banner over the defeated Reichstag in Berlin in 1945. This is stated in the presidential decree "On awarding state awards of the Russian Federation", published on the portal of legal information.
"For courage, bravery and dedication shown in the fight against the fascist invaders during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, to award the title of Hero of the Russian Federation to Berest Alexei Prokofievich," the document says.
Under the command of Berest, Sergeant Mikhail Egorov and Senior Sergeant Meliton Kantaria hoisted the Victory Banner over the Reichstag building in Berlin on May 1, 1945.