Manolis Bikakis
Manolis Bikakis (Greek: Μανώλης Μπικάκης; March 10, 1954 – October 22, 1994) was a Greek commando and war hero of the defense of Cyprus during the Turkish invasion of 1974. He heroically fought against 7 Turkish tanks and 2000+ Turkish soldiers and despite the clear numerical disadvantage, he managed to defeat them.[1][2]
Sergeant Manolis Bikakis | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Μανώλης Ιωάννης Μπικάκης |
| Birth name | Manolis Ioannis Bikakis |
| Nickname(s) | The Greek Rambo |
| Born | March 10, 1954 Amygdalos, Crete, Kingdom of Greece |
| Died | October 22, 1994 (aged 40) Greek National Road 8a, Greece |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  Greece |
| Service/ |  Hellenic Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Alpha Raider Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Turkish Invasion of Cyprus |
| Other work | Construction worker |
Biography
Manolis Ioannis Bikakis was born on 10 March 1954 in Amygdalos, Heraklion, Crete. He completed primary school in the village of Stoli in Heraklion. After fulfilling his military service, he worked as a construction worker. He was married with two children when he was killed on 22 October 1994.
Turkish invasion of Cyprus
Bikakis served with the Greek Alpha Raider Squadron which was secretly airlifted to Cyprus with Operation Niki during the night of 21 July 1974 and in the early morning of 22nd. The Alpha Raider Squadron had the objective to reinforce the ELDYK units defending the island and was assigned to the airport of Nicosia (see: Battle of Nicosia Airport). During the second phase of the invasion launched on 14 August 1974, the Squadron was dispersed confronting the invading Turks in the area of Ayios Dhometios. Bikakis had been ordered to provide anti-tank cover with a 90-mm M67 recoilless antitank rifle. During the clashes, he was separated from his comrades, who later presumed him dead. Repeatedly changing his position, Bikakis fought alone for four days and destroyed six M48A2 battle tanks with his M67 and fired his last two rounds at a building where Turkish troops had taken cover. His actions held up an entire Turkish battalion as a result.[3][1]
Aftermath
Bikakis and his fellow raiders contributed decisively to repelling the Turkish forces in their sector, saving Nicosia from falling to Turkish hands.
Despite the fact that his commander recommended him for a Medal for Gallantry, for political reasons Bikakis did not receive any honors nor was his courage publicly recognized whilst he was alive.
Bikakis died in a car accident in 1994, while driving on the Athens-Patra National Highway.
He was officially honored posthumously in 2015, more than 40 years after his actions.