Vasily Ivanovich Chapayev (January 28, 1887-September 5, 1919, all new style) (Russian Василий Иванович Чапаев) was a significant military commander during the Russian Civil War.

Chapaev was born in a poor peasant family in the village Budayki (now overrun by Cheboksary, Russia). In 1914-1918 he fought in World War I as a non-commissioned officer. He received three St. George Crosses for personal courage. In September 1917 he joined the Bolshevik party. In December that year he was elected the commander of 138 infantry regiment by a vote of regiment soldiers. Later he commanded the 2nd Nikolaev division and 25th rifle division. On September 5, 1919 the division headquarters near Lbischensk (now Chapayev , Kazakhstan) were ambushed by the white guards forces. Chapayev had tried to escape by swimming across Ural River, but was killed. The body was never recovered.

In later years Chapayev became a character in numerous Russian jokes.

See also

• Chapayev , a book
• Chapayev , a movie
• Chapayev, a board game