Yevkurov awarded the "Star" of the Hero of the Russian Federation to the commander whose group held the defense line for 43 days

Deputy Defense Minister of the Russian Federation, Army General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, has presented the highest state award of the country - the Gold Star medal of the Hero of Russia - to Dmitry Avdonin, a captain of the 7th Guards Airborne Assault Division (Mountain Division), whose group held the defense line in the zone of special military operation (SMO) for 43 days. This was reported on February 22 by TASS with reference to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The solemn event took place in the city theater of Novorossiysk. According to the Defense Ministry, Avdonin has been on the front line since the first days of the SSO, he has already been awarded the Zhukov Medal for heroism shown in combat.

In March 2024, his group moved out for three days towards a stronghold in one of the special operation directions in order to replace the assault group and hold the occupied area. As the group was moving, Ukrainian troops discovered it and opened targeted fire. At night, a sabotage and reconnaissance group (DRG) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) tried to get close to the Russian military, but Avdonin left cover and opened fire, eliminating five enemy soldiers as a result.

The AFU cut off escape and approach routes to the stronghold using remote mine-clearing equipment. During demining, Avdonin was seriously wounded after stepping on a mine called "Lepestok". The captain continued to lead the group despite the injury. Avdonin's bravery and heroism saved five wounded Russian paratroopers and held the defense line, which lasted 43 days instead of three, the ministry said in a statement.

In addition, Yevkurov presented the Order of Courage and the St. George's Cross of the IV degree, medals "For Bravery", "For Rescue of the Fallen", Zhukov and Ushakov medals to military men of the airborne troops and the Black Sea Fleet. He also congratulated the servicemen on the Defender of the Fatherland Day and expressed gratitude to all the military, including soldiers who are currently in the rear and "do everything possible and impossible for our victory".

A sign of memory: an exhibition about the Strategic Defense Forces opened at the Central Museum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

The exposition tells about the special military operation and the recent history of the Russian army

February 22, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov presented "Gold Star" medals to the participants of the special operation, who showed courage and heroism in the performance of military duty. In addition to medals, the fighters also received personalized award weapons.