Ruptly
"Volodya Gspoyan, an Armenian veteran of the Second World War, was drafted at just 18. After training, he was sent to Mozhaisk (Moscow region) and later joined the 89th Taman Rifle Division, where he eventually became a reconnaissance platoon commander. Footage filmed on Saturday shows the 100-year-old's military awards and diplomas as a former Red Army soldier. "The war was only good for me when we won - it’s terrible when you’re retreating. I saw only one retreat: in Crimea. Just in Crimea," Gspoyan recalled. "In Germany, Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus - where I fought - there was no such thing as retreat. We were always moving forward." Under the command of Soviet military leader Georgy Zhukov, Gspoyan repeatedly went behind enemy lines, gathering vital intelligence. "We only operated at night - to abduct a German soldier, to bring a 'tongue' (taking a prisoner for interrogation). I handed over 27 German soldiers to our officers. For this, I was awarded the Order of the Red Banner, and later received the Order of the Red Star and the Order of Glory, Second Class," he said. During the Battle of Berlin, Gspoyan was seriously wounded by shell fragments in the back. Doctors managed to extract two fragments but left two near his spine - too close to nerve endings for safe removal, forcing him to celebrate Victory Day in the hospital. "There was both love and solidarity among us soldiers. We cared for each other and showed a lot of respect. There were no fights or arguments. We followed orders promptly and correctly. And Zhukov loved us very much, especially our division," he added. After the war, Gspoyan continued serving in the army until 1951. His bravery earned him the Order of the Patriotic War II degree, the Medal 'For Bravery', and personal gratitude from Joseph Stalin for his role in the Battle of Berlin. Today, Gspoyan is the last living veteran of the 89th Taman Division. On May 9, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Victory, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally congratulated Armenian veterans after the parade on Red Square."
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