Bohdan V. Smal (Bodia)

41-year-old Sergeant Bohdan Smal was killed on May 24, 2022 in the area of the village of Poltavka, Zaporizhia region. The defender, while carrying out a combat mission, came under enemy artillery fire and received a fatal head injury. Bohdan was from the village of Smolanka, Chernihiv region. He graduated from Chernihiv National Pedagogical University and obtained the profession of a physics and mathematics teacher. He worked in his specialty at the Orlivska secondary school. After completing compulsory military service, he joined the police, where he received the rank of junior lieutenant. He rose to the rank of major. He was interested in physics and loved fishing. In 2017, Bohdan voluntarily signed a contract with the 1st Separate Siverska Tank Brigade. He participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) / Joint Forces Operation (JFO). He had the call sign Bodya. Comrades and acquaintances describe him as a strong-willed, persistent and patriotically-minded fighter who was always ready to help everyone. "We were married for 14 years and have a daughter together. Shortly before the war, we divorced, but remained the best of friends. From the first day of the war, Bohdan defended Ukraine on two borders, and after the de-occupation of the Chernihiv region, he went further to liberate the Motherland from the impurity," said his ex-wife Tetiana. "Bohdan Vadymovych Smal was only 41 years old... He still had so much to do: to fulfill his dreams, to feel the fullness of human happiness. He sincerely loved his family and friends and his country, so he bravely defended Ukraine from the Russian invaders and for it, for us he gave the most precious - his life," wrote Liudmyla Smal. The defender was buried in his native village in the Chernihiv region. Bohdan is survived by his parents, brother, sister and daughter.