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Aghvan BabayanParticipant of the Great Patriotic War, Hero of the Soviet Union, Senior Sergeant
Date of Birth: 05.11.1919
Country:  Armenia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service
- Combat Exploits
- Liberation of Sevastopol
- Hero of the Soviet Union
- Post-War Life
Early Life and Education
Aghvan Babayan was born on November 5, 1919, in the village of Taratum in the Armenian Democratic Republic, to a peasant family. Of Armenian nationality, he received a secondary education and graduated from the Yerevan Pedagogical Technical School in 1939.
Military Service
In 1940, Babayan was drafted into the Red Army. From early 1943, he fought in the Great Patriotic War as a senior sergeant, leading an infantry platoon in the 647th Rifle Regiment of the 216th Red Banner Rifle Division of the 51st Army on the 4th Ukrainian Front.
Combat Exploits
Babayan distinguished himself in the battles for the liberation of Kuban, Donbass, and the city of Melitopol, as well as in the breakthrough of the German defenses at Sivash and the storming of Sevastopol. On May 8, 1944, he led the first assault group of his platoon into Sevastopol, targeting an enemy pillbox. After the battalion commander was incapacitated, Babayan took command on his own initiative.
Liberation of Sevastopol
Despite fierce German resistance, Babayan's battalion successfully captured key sections of Sevastopol, eliminating over 1,000 enemy soldiers and officers. During the battles, Babayan was wounded four times but returned to the front after each injury.
Hero of the Soviet Union
For his exceptional bravery and skill in the liberation of Sevastopol, Babayan was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on March 24, 1945. He was presented with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star Medal (No. 6179).
Post-War Life
After the war, Babayan was demobilized as a senior lieutenant in 1945. He graduated from the Yerevan Pedagogical Institute in 1955 and the Communist Party School under the Central Committee of the Armenian SSR in 1959. He lived and worked in Yerevan until his death on January 17, 1992.
