Anton O. Bahlai (Miatyi)

Junior Sergeant Anton Bahlai (call sign Myatyi) died on April 1, 2023, while repelling an enemy assault of occupiers in the area of the settlement of Opytne near Donetsk. In a month, on May 3, the warrior would have turned 32 years old. Anton was from the city of Zaporizhzhia. He studied at the Zaporizhzhia General Educational Sanatorium Boarding School No. 7. In civilian life, he worked in the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. He spent his free time with his family. During the full-scale war, Anton became a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He fought as part of the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Volodymyr Monomakh. He held the position of commander of a rifle squad. Together with his comrades-in-arms, he defended the Donetsk region, where he passed through Bakhmut, Soledar, Vuhledar, Zaitseve, and Avdiivka. For these battles, he was awarded decorations. "Anton was a cheerful and friendly person, the best husband and father. He always came to the aid of those who needed it," said the warrior's wife, Karyna Bahlai. Anton was buried in the cemetery of St. Nicholas in his hometown. At home, he was awaited by his wife, three children, sisters, and brother. The youngest son was 10 months old at the time of his father's death. The hero was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.