The scout with the call sign "Bars" was awarded the medal "For Courage" for saving his comrades.

      A native of Zainsk, Gennady did not serve in the military, but when the special operation began, he decided to fulfill his military duty. Since July 2024, he has been on the front lines with the call sign "Bars." He was blown up by a mine, lost fingers on his feet, but managed to lead his wounded comrades off the battlefield. He was awarded the medal "For Courage."

      "I decided to fulfill my duty to the Motherland." Gennady from Zainsk did not serve in the army by conscription. When the special military operation began, many of his acquaintances went as volunteers. He thought for a long time and made a decision. On July 10, 2024, Gennady signed a contract. On the front lines, he received the call sign "Bars." He served as a shooter in the Pokrovsk direction — one of the hottest sections of the front. "I thought it was time for me to fulfill my military duty to the Motherland, and then I wanted to help the guys," the fighter recounts.

      Injury and feat

      While carrying out a combat mission, Gennady was blown up by a mine. The injury turned out to be severe: he lost fingers on his feet. After rehabilitation, he is on leave at home but continues to recover. The medal "For Courage" — one of the most honorable soldier awards — was awarded to Gennady for a specific feat. By the decree of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, he was recognized for the courage displayed in battle while performing special tasks to ensure the security of the state.

      Here is how "Bars" himself recalls that day:

      "On the second approach to the front line, there were 1.5 kilometers left to the combat line, and we came under mortar fire. No one retreated. Two comrades died, one was wounded. I led them off the battlefield. I survived."

      Awards and faith

      In addition to the medal "For Courage," Gennady was awarded the medal "Participant of the Special Military Operation." He has also been nominated for another state award, which has not yet been presented.

      The fighter admits: his survival is protected by God. Before each deployment to the front, he and his comrades ask for protection from the Almighty.

      What has changed in war

      "There, at some point, you can be responsible for both yourself and your military friends. You understand the true strength of unity and friendship," says "Bars." These words are not a loud phrase, but the lived truth of a person who has looked death in the eye and survived for the sake of his comrades. Gennady is an example that duty to the Motherland is not measured by the presence of a military ticket. It is measured by actions.

      Photo by Klara Yermolaeva

      Yulia Kazamarova

      More news about the event:

      A Zainsk resident with the call sign "Bars" was awarded the medal "For Courage" for saving his comrades.

      A native of Zainsk, Gennady did not serve in the military, but when the special operation began, he decided to fulfill his military duty. 11:31 18.04.2026 Zainsk-Inform - Zainsk

      A Zainsk resident with the call sign "Bars" was awarded the medal "For Courage" for saving his comrades.

      A native of Zainsk, Gennady did not serve in the military, but when the special operation began, he decided to fulfill his military duty. 10:36 18.04.2026 News of Zainsk - Zainsk

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Putin awarded the medal "For Courage" to a participant of the special military operation from Bashkiria.

      A participant of the special military operation from Sterlitamak, Emil Ibragimov, was awarded by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation for courage, bravery, and selflessness displayed while performing combat missions. 16:33 17.04.2026 Aurgazin Bulletin - Tolbazy

      Ceremonial award presentation

      Today, a ceremonial award presentation took place for our fellow countrymen - participants of the special military operation who showed courage and bravery while performing military tasks. 10:29 17.04.2026 Grachevsky District - Grachevka

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