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Bradley Commander Honored with Hero of Ukraine Title, Equivalent to US Medal of Honor
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
Commander of the American Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, Sergeant Oleksandr Volodymyrovych Krokovets, call sign “Karatsupa” from the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine, was awarded the title of “Hero of Ukraine” for his exceptional courage and heroism demonstrated in defending the country. This title is the highest military honor in Ukraine and is awarded for special merits to the state and acts of heroism, similar to the Medal of Honor in the United States and the Victoria Cross in the United Kingdom.
Who is Oleksandr “Karatsupa” Krokovets?
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, Karatsupa, who had previously served, returned to the armed forces. After several years of service in Donbas, he retired, but during the full-scale invasion, he re-enlisted at the recruitment office. Despite having a disability, he managed to become the commander of a Bradley IFV after training in Germany.
The Bradley IFV is an American infantry fighting vehicle designed to perform various tasks on the battlefield, including troop transport and infantry support. This vehicle is characterized by high protection and maneuverability, and it is equipped with modern weaponry.
First battle on the Bradley
The first battle in the American Bradley IFV was not easy. In the dark, alongside a tank and a mine-clearing vehicle, they were attacked by Russian forces. Karatsupa and his team realized that the weapons being used against them were ineffective, which boosted their morale. They managed to break through enemy positions and inflict significant damage.
Karatsupa shares his experience of how the Bradley performed in battle. He noted that the vehicle withstands considerable damage, and its capabilities allow for effective combat even under difficult conditions. He proudly recounts how his team used their equipment to save civilians in danger, stating, “The Bradley is not just a vehicle; it’s our home on the battlefield. We trust it, and it protects us.”
Watch more about Bradley and modern warfare
Other recipients of the title of Hero of Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to pilot Andrii Pilshchykov, call sign Juice, on September 30. This title was granted for his personal courage and heroism demonstrated in defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Major Andrii Pilshchykov died on August 5, 2023, as a result of a plane crash in the Zhytomyr region while performing a combat mission. He flew a MiG-29 and served in the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force, participating in the air defense of Kyiv at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
