News
Internal forces officer awarded Hero of Russia title
Subject to the presidential decree as of January 9, 2012, Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Maslov, the chief of staff of the special forces troop "Typhoon" of the Eastern Regional Command of Internal Troops of Russia's MVD, was (posthumously) awarded the title "Hero of the Russian Federation" for personal courage, bravery and heroism in the performance of military duty in circumstances involving a risk to life.
On August 17, 2011, the units of his detachment conducted a search of the armed gang in Khasavyurt district of the Dagestan Republic. After the gang was uncovered, a battle started during which the bandits attempted to break through. Lt. Col. Ivan Maslov assessed the situation correctly, and in order to prevent the militants from escaping the chase he committed and led a reserve unit into the battle.
The militants' plan failed, and occupying an advantageous position, they concentrated the fire on the approaching reserve unit. Lt. Col. Ivan Maslov acted professionally and resolutely under these difficult circumstances displaying the best qualities of a Special Forces officer of the internal troops. Making maneuvers and firing at the militants, he enabled his subordinates to dodge the attack and to start fighting again after regrouping.
Covering his comrades, Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Maslov was severely wounded, yet continued to fire and control the actions of the units. Unfortunately, the injury turned out to be incompatible with life, and the officer died on the battlefield having performed his military duty up to the end.
Thanks to the courage and heroism of Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Maslov, the death of Special Forces military units engaged in the battle was prevented, and the gang was neutralized.
Press Service of Russia's MVD Internal Forces
