Oleh O. Koval (Balta)

40-year-old marine Oleg Koval (call sign Balta) was killed on October 31, 2023 in the area of the village of Krynky in the Kherson region. While carrying out a combat mission, he received fatal injuries during enemy artillery shelling. Oleg was born and lived in Balta, Odesa region. He graduated from school No. 3. In 2001, he was drafted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, serving in an airborne assault company in Crimea. In 2016, he participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation, where he was a scout. At that time, he was awarded the medal "For Military Service to Ukraine". On February 25, 2022, the man returned to the ranks of the defenders and became a fighter of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 137th battalion of the 35th separate marine brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Ostrohradskyy. He was a reconnaissance platoon fighter. He fought in the Mykolaiv, Donetsk and Kherson regions. He was repeatedly awarded by the command, in particular in 2023 he received the award of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine "Golden Cross", the Order of Courage of the III degree, medals "For Bravery in Battle" and "For Assistance to Military Intelligence of Ukraine" of the II degree. His comrades-in-arms noted that Oleg was a true warrior, a man of his word, a man of courage, an example of indomitability and strength of spirit. With superhuman steadfastness and courage, he held his positions at the front, realizing that the responsibility for the future of the entire Ukrainian people rested on his shoulders. The hero was buried in his hometown. At home, his mother and two children were waiting for Oleg.