Oleg Zobov Officer of the Russian Army, Guards Major Date of Birth: 23.02.1958

1. Early Life
2. Parachute Training
3. Military Career
4. Combat Experience
5. Grozny Battle
6. Command and Injury
7. Extraction
8. Leadership and Recognition

Early Life

Oleg Zobov was born on February 23, 1958, in Daugavpils, Latvia. His father, Nikolai Alexandrovich Zobov, served as an artilleryman in the Great Patriotic War.

Parachute Training

After moving to Kaunas, Lithuania, Zobov joined the local DOSAAF parachute club and became a candidate for master of sports in parachuting.

Military Career

Zobov twice attempted to enter the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School but was unsuccessful. However, he was admitted as a cadet upon the recommendation of Vasily Margelov, the legendary creator and future commander of the VDV. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 104th Guards Parachute Regiment of the 76th Guards Airborne Division in Pskov.

Combat Experience

From March 1986 to April 1988, Zobov served in Afghanistan. In December 1994, he was deployed to Chechnya.

Grozny Battle

On January 1, 1995, Zobov's battalion was tasked with clearing a path to the railway station in Grozny. As they approached the Lenin Park, they came under attack from Chechen fighters.

Command and Injury

Zobov assumed command of the remaining troops after the company commander was severely wounded. Despite being injured by a nearby explosion, he led a successful assault on a three-story building.

Extraction

After securing the building and allowing the battalion to proceed, Zobov gathered the survivors and ordered them to evacuate the wounded and killed. He successfully led 163 soldiers to safety.

Leadership and Recognition

Zobov's bravery and leadership in the Battle of Grozny earned him the respect of his peers and superiors. His actions saved numerous lives and demonstrated the unwavering resolve of the Russian Airborne Forces.