YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of the “Men who went into battle project, ARMENPRESS presents the story of Harutyun Badalyan, recipient of the “Military Cross” Order. Badalyan was wounded in action while defending the borders during the four day war in Talish, NKR.

Harutyun studies in the second course of Yerevan’s state university of economics, in the management department.

“A year before going to the Army I studied in the Agrarian university, then I transferred to the economics university”, he said.

Harutyun says he wants to work in the public sector, says he likes when the schedule is tight and loves activeness.

Harutyun says prior to his service his inner voice always suggested that he will serve in Karabakh.

“For six months I trained in Mataghis. Then I started serving in Talish, in the posts. I asked the servicemen of that post which is the most dangerous post up there. Everyone said the most dangerous one is where I am.

After being re-assigned to a different position, he voluntarily requested to be assigned back to the dangerous post.

At that time, his commander was Hrachya Galstyan, who died during the four day war of April.

Speaking about the four day war of April, Harutyun said : “While going up to the posts, my friend was shot by a sniper. As soon as I reached the post, the commander gave me an order to destroy the position from which my friend was shot. I was operating a mortar”. After firing more than 36 shells, the enemy suffered losses and many wounded.

Overnight April 1-2 Azerbaijani forces began bombarding the Armenian position, using mortars, artillery etc.

“My post was closest to Talish, I clearly saw enemy buildups. I immediately reported to my superior and engaged in circle defensive”, he said.

Harutyun engaged in a fierce battle with enemy troops.

He suffered wounds when Azerbaijani forces threw a grenade at him.

After being wounded, he saw two soldiers approaching the post.  The two soldiers appeared in front of him, resulting in a Mexican standoff.

He managed to be the first to shoot and eliminated the enemy, the second soldier escaped, but couldn’t get far – Harutyun engaged the enemy soldier and eliminated him also.

“After receving surgery I immediately wanted to go back. But doctors transferred me to the Sisian hospital. I remained hospitalized for almost a month”, he said.

That’s when he received the Presidential Order“Military Cross”, bestowed by the defense minister.

The full interview is available in Armenian.