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Gevorg AkopyantsSoviet officer, participant of the Great Patriotic War, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 20.04.1920
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Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Early Military Career
- World War II
- Heroism at the Dnieper
- Continued Service
- Post-War Career
- Later Life and Legacy
- Awards and Decorations
Early Life and Education
Hovhannes Hakobi Hakopyan was born on April 20, 1920, in Pyatigorsk, Russia, to an Armenian family. After graduating from high school, he joined the Krasnodar Military Infantry School and graduated with honors in 1939.
Early Military Career
Hakopyan began his military service in 1939. In 1941, after completing his infantry school training, he was commissioned as a lieutenant and assigned as a rifle platoon commander in the 323rd Regiment of the 81st Motorized Mechanized Division.
World War II
From the onset of the Great Patriotic War, Hakopyan served on the front lines. In January 1942, he was promoted to senior lieutenant and became deputy chief of staff of his regiment. His exceptional abilities earned him the command of a battalion in April 1942, and in the same year, he was promoted to captain.
Under Hakopyan's leadership, his battalion played a crucial role in liberating Armavir, Krasnodar, and other cities in the North Caucasus. In March 1944, then Major Hakopyan was tasked with the formidable mission of crossing the Dnieper River, establishing a foothold, and launching an offensive against Kherson.
Heroism at the Dnieper
Hakopyan and his battalion successfully executed their mission. For their exceptional bravery, resilience, and strategic maneuvers during the crossing of the Dnieper and the liberation of Kherson, Hakopyan was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on June 3, 1944.
Continued Service
Hakopyan continued to distinguish himself throughout World War II, fighting in the liberation of Nikolaev, Ochakov, and Odessa, as well as participating in the major Kishinev Operation. As his unit pursued the enemy through Poland, Hakopyan was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
Post-War Career
In 1945, Hakopyan entered the M. V. Frunze Military Academy. After graduating, he held various command positions, including in the Armenian Taman Division.
Later Life and Legacy
From 1956 until his death on July 30, 1976, Hakopyan worked at the Yerevan Agricultural Institute. His heroic legacy continues to inspire generations of Armenian servicemen.
Awards and Decorations
- Medal of the Golden Star of the Hero of the Soviet Union- Order of Lenin
- Two Orders of the Red Banner
- Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Degree
- Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Degree
- Order of the Red Star
- Medal "For Combat Service" (1942)
- Various medals
