Aleksandr Bolbas Hero of the Soviet Union, retired colonel Date of Birth: 28.11.1911 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service and World War II
3. Heroism at the Dnieper
4. Later Military Career and Civilian Life
5. Legacy and Recognition

Early Life and Education

Alexander Karpovich Bolbas was born on November 28, 1911, in the village of Slobodka, Belarus, to a large family. After the tragic loss of his parents, he was raised by his brother, Pavel, until the age of 18.

In 1929, Bolbas joined the "Krasny Mayak" collective farm before transitioning to work as a loader at the Brozhe railroad station in 1930.

Military Service and World War II

Bolbas was drafted into the Red Army in 1933, serving as a tank driver and later a platoon school cadet. Following his discharge in 1935, he enrolled in the Minsk Soviet Party School.

In 1937, he began studying at the Minsk Communist University. His studies were interrupted when he was recalled to the Red Army in 1939 and assigned to the 43rd Transport Brigade.

During the Soviet-Finnish War, Bolbas served as a company political instructor. He resumed his service in the Belarusian Military District until the outbreak of World War II.

From 1941 to 1942, Bolbas participated in defensive battles in Belarus, the Smolensk Defense, and the Battle of Moscow. After the Soviet victory at Moscow, he joined a regiment sent to Stalingrad, where he fought in the Battle of Stalingrad.

Heroism at the Dnieper

In January 1943, Bolbas played a crucial role in the liberation of Donbas cities. He also fought in the Battle of Kursk, the liberation of Belgorod and Kharkov, and the liberation of Ukraine's Left Bank.

Bolbas's most notable act of bravery occurred during the Dnieper crossing and the breakthrough of the German Eastern Wall. Leading 12 scouts, he crossed the Dnieper under heavy fire and established a foothold in enemy territory.

In the ensuing battle, Bolbas neutralized an enemy machine gun nest and destroyed several enemy soldiers who were attempting to capture a radio station. Despite repeated counterattacks, his group held its ground and facilitated the crossing of Soviet units.

Later Military Career and Civilian Life

Bolbas continued to distinguish himself in the liberation of Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. He completed his military service in 1947 and moved to Kiev, where he held various positions in the military.

In 1958, he retired from active duty and embarked on a successful civilian career, including roles at institutions like the Institute of Electrodynamics.

Legacy and Recognition

Alexander Karpovich Bolbas remains an active public figure. He is the chairman of the Veteran's Council at the Institute of Electrodynamics and dedicates his time to lectures and military-social work.

Bolbas has been honored with numerous awards, including the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner of War, and the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. He is also an honorary citizen of Grebenka and Rzhishchev in Ukraine.