To the Editor:

Re “Alexei Botyan, 103, Soviet Spy Hailed as ‘Hero,’ Just Not by the Poles or Historians” (obituary, March 12):

You try to question the battle merits of the Soviet World War II hero Alexei Botyan, presenting them as a myth. Mr. Botyan saved not only Krakow. He and the Red Army saved the Polish nation.

Mr. Botyan said in one of his last interviews:

“Several groups took part in saving Krakow. Both mine and the one led by Yevgeny Bereznyak. We had the only task: secure rapid advance of the Soviet troops to Krakow.

“Its saving is the most important achievement of my life.

“The Soviet Union not only helped liberate Poland, preserve its rich culture and traditions, but also restored its economy. Hitler sought to turn all inhabitants of the occupied Polish territories into slaves. Those who were not fit for these goals were planned for extermination. Such things should be remembered.

“The 75th anniversary of our Great Victory shared with other nations will be celebrated soon. We must shield it from all kinds of lies.”