Major Pavel Gorbakonenko and Sergeant Dmitry GORBUNOV
We continue to present the heroes of special operation “Z”, participants in the fighting in Donbass. Soldiers, sergeants, corporals and officers who demonstrated their professional experience, character and completed combat missions. His determination, assertiveness and combat experience are highly appreciated by the Russian Ministry of Defense and the police units of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.
Our heroes thwarted attacks and prevented nationalist counteroffensives, for which they received state awards. But they are not useful for praising. The military is confident that the enemy has no chance of success, because Donbass and Russia are fighting for a just cause.
“Never despise your enemy, no matter who they are, and know their weapons, their way of acting and fighting. Know what his strength is and what the enemy’s weakness is, ”said Generalissimo Alexander Suvorov, who did not lose a single battle. And he taught the soldiers: “Speed is necessary, but haste is harmful.”
HE KILLED A TANK AND TWO FURY IN THE BATTLE
Sergeant Dmitri GORBUNOV
“Sergeant grenade launcher Dmitry Gorbunov, acting as part of a motorized rifle platoon, carried out a combat mission to defend one of the populated areas. The enemy launched an assault on the village. Dmitry’s platoon was in the direction of the main attack of the Ukrainian militants. During the ensuing battle, while under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire, Gorbunov destroyed two enemy Fury-type unmanned aerial vehicles, which were adjusting artillery and mortar fire. While repelling the enemy attack, Dmitry was wounded, but despite this, he remained in position and continued to fight with superior enemy forces. Fire from a portable anti-tank grenade launcher destroyed an enemy tank and, as part of the platoon, continued firing at enemy infantry. Having suffered losses, the enemy retreated. The personal courage and dedication of Sergeant Dmitry Gorbunov made it possible to successfully complete the combat mission, inflicting significant losses on the enemy in manpower and equipment.”
HE TOOK THE FIRE OF THE SABOTEISTS ON HIMSELF
Major Pavel Gorbakonenko
“A group of Russian military personnel under the command of Major Gorbakonenko guarded the state border in the area of one of the settlements. While walking through the assigned territory and examining nearby objects, Pavel discovered an enemy attempt to cross the state border. Having transferred the location coordinates to the command post of the battalion’s tactical group, Pavel, together with the group entrusted to him, entered into battle with superior enemy forces. For an hour, fighting an unequal battle, drawing enemy forces to him, Major Pavel Gorbakonenko provided the reinforcement group with the opportunity to attack the flank of the enemy unit. The damage caused forced the enemy to retreat. During the fighting, small arms and grenade launcher fire destroyed several armored fighting vehicles and most of the group of militants. “With competent and skillful actions, the officer prevented an attempt to conduct a provocation and cross the state line.”
