Senior Flight Navigator of the Ukrainian Air Force

Major “Filin” conducted 13 combat flights, providing air support to the Ukrainian troops in June-August 2014. On August 20, 2014 his plane was downed by Russia-backed militants during the mission. Major “Filin” walked through the entire combat zone and the enemy’s rear and got back to his military base, demonstrating extreme courage as well as moral and physical endurance.

Major “Filin” was awarded with Order For Courage (third-class) for courage and heroism demonstrated while defending the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as loyalty to the oath, by the Decree No. 747/2014 dated September 29, 2014 “On decorating with Ukraine’s state awards.”