Grigoriy Gaponov Sniper, Hero of the Soviet Union Date of Birth: 04.04.1909 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Grigory Gaponov

Grigory Semenovich Gaponov was born on April 4, 1909, in the city of Konstantinovka, now Donetsk Oblast, in a working-class family. He completed three years of primary school and worked as a machinist in a mine. During the occupation of the Donbass region by German forces, he joined a partisan underground group. In February 1943, he began participating in the war as part of the regular units of the Red Army.

As the commander of a platoon in the 433rd Rifle Regiment (78th Rifle Division, 27th Army, 2nd Ukrainian Front), Sergeant G.S. Gaponov skillfully led his platoon in offensive battles. He was among the first to cross the Tisa River and successfully mastered the art of sniping. By the beginning of December 1944, he had accounted for the destruction of 130 enemy soldiers and officers.

In recognition of his courage and military valor demonstrated in combat, Grigory Gaponov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on March 24, 1945.

In 1946, Grigory Semyonovich was demobilized and went on to work in a mine. He was decorated with the Orders of Lenin and the Red Star, as well as various medals. He passed away on May 29, 1974.