Roman V. Hakh

Roman Vasylovych Gakh was born on July 20, 1984, in the village of Bavoriv, Ternopil District, Ternopil Region. In 2005, he graduated from the National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and later from the Luhansk State University named after T. Shevchenko. In 2014, during his service in the 25th Border Guard Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, he facilitated the conduct of the Anti-Terrorist Operation in the area of Lysychansk in Luhansk region. Since June 2019, after completing the faculty for training managerial personnel at the National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine named after Bohdan Khmelnytsky, he voluntarily transferred to continue military service in the 3rd Border Guard Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, where he carried out tasks in the area of the Joint Forces Operation. During his service, Roman Gakh ensured reliable border protection in the area of responsibility of the 3rd Border Guard Detachment, and from February 14, 2022, he directly prepared units of the rapid response border command "Novopskov," organizing the occupation of combat positions by personnel at platoon strongholds in the Bilolutske direction. On the night of February 24, 2022, Roman encountered the enemy at his position. Russian troops began shelling the platoon stronghold of the rapid response border command "Novopskov" in the Bilolutske direction with two enemy BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers. The officer skillfully directed the actions of the subordinate personnel and prevented the enemy from crossing the Ukrainian border in this direction. Assessing the situation, the enemy's forces and resources, which were rapidly advancing in other directions of the front, and risking encirclement, Colonel Gakh took all measures for an organized withdrawal to the second line of defense on the outskirts of the city of Starobilsk to avoid the capture of personnel. On February 24, 2022, around 11:00 PM, under his direct command, a group of border guards, together with units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reached the southern outskirts of the village of Chmyrivka, where they engaged the enemy. Thanks to the professionalism and combat experience of Roman Gakh, well-planned actions, and confident leadership, there were no casualties among the personnel, and the enemy had no success. After the battle, to coordinate the actions of the personnel of the border units of the detachment, which had moved from their permanent deployment locations, Colonel Roman Gakh went to the designated line of defense on the outskirts of Starobilsk. During the formation of a consolidated unit of the 3rd Border Guard Detachment, which was tasked with going to defend the Kremin district of Luhansk region, Colonel Roman Gakh, assessing the situation and the complexity of the combat task ahead of the border guards, made a voluntary decision to lead this unit. The consolidated unit became part of the forces and resources of the grouping defending the Kremin direction. Under Roman's leadership, in coordination with the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, our defenders repeatedly demonstrated examples of courage and heroism in the fight against Russian occupiers. In the battles for the settlements of Krasnorichenske, Novokrasnyanka, and Zhitlivka, Ukrainian defenders managed to destroy a significant number of enemy personnel and several units of equipment. On March 6, 2022, while performing a combat mission on the southeastern outskirts of the village of Zhitlivka, a consolidated group from the rapid response border command "Novopskov," led by Colonel Roman Gakh, advanced to the area of the railway tracks to block the enemy's advance. The border guard unit was the first to come under fire and immediately engaged in battle. The defense at the designated line was conducted under heavy enemy fire from small arms, heavy weapons, and mortars. Roman Gakh skillfully commanded the consolidated border unit for over 6 hours and held the occupied line. However, as a result of a machine-gun burst, Roman Vasylovych sustained severe injuries. Combat comrades attempted to evacuate the officer to cover, but at that moment, the occupiers resumed mortar shelling of the defense positions. One of the shells exploded in close proximity to Colonel Roman Gakh. Due to the intense enemy fire, further attempts to approach the officer's location were futile. The consolidated group was forced to retreat to an alternate line. Colonel Gakh Roman inspired his subordinate personnel to carry out combat missions through his personal example of resilience and steadfastness. It was not the first time Colonel Roman Gakh had to fight under the explosions of shells, but this time, caring for his comrades and bravely commanding the battle, he could not protect himself. From the injuries sustained while defending Ukrainian land, Roman died a hero's death. For over 20 years, Colonel Gakh Roman Vasylovych dedicated himself to serving the Ukrainian people and fulfilling his military duty; he was a wise commander, a fearless warrior, and a good person. His actions are a vivid example of personal heroism, love for the Motherland, loyalty to the military oath, and the people of Ukraine. Roman Gakh is survived by his wife and two sons. They grieve immensely but are proud of their father. For personal courage and heroism displayed in defense of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, selfless service to the Ukrainian people, and loyalty to the military oath, Colonel Gakh Roman Vasylovych was posthumously awarded the title of "Hero of Ukraine" with the Order of the Golden Star. The officer was also awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky III class (posthumously).