Volodymyr V. Samson

Sergeant Major Volodymyr Samson died on September 18, 2022, in a hospital in Dnipro. A day earlier, while performing a combat mission in Donetsk, he came under enemy fire and sustained burns to 90% of his body. He regained consciousness for a short time and immediately asked about his comrades. They survived. However, Volodymyr's heart could not withstand the injuries and stopped. The next day, September 19, he would have turned 51 years old. Volodymyr Samson was originally from Huliaipole in the Zaporizhzhia region. Since childhood, he wanted to become a soldier and tried to enroll in a relevant educational institution, but it did not work out, so he took another path—through the army. After completing his mandatory service, he worked in various security structures, including banks and large companies. His last place of work was "Nova Poshta" in Zaporizhzhia. He was passionate about fishing and firearms. In 2015, he was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine and participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO). He served in many hot spots. He later signed a contract. On the morning of February 24, 2022, Volodymyr met at the eastern borders of Ukraine, where he halted the enemy with artillery fire. He was the commander of the self-propelled artillery platoon of the 55th Separate Artillery Brigade "Zaporizka Sich." According to the fallen soldier's wife, his subordinates called him "Mommy." This nickname speaks volumes, as his brigade and comrades were like a second family to Volodymyr. He was a strong man—both physically and in character. Calm and caring. He loved to have a quiet and cozy home. Volodymyr was buried in the Zaporizhzhia region. At home, his wife and daughter were waiting for him. A week before his death, the hero was awarded the Order of "For Courage" of the III degree, and posthumously—the Order of "For Courage" of the II degree.