The execution of his first combat mission on the front line became a true baptism of fire for a servicemember of the engineering and sapper unit of the 501st Separate Battalion. A Marine with the call sign “Dava” single-handedly destroyed an enemy group and captured one occupier.

This was reported by the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilyinskyi.

A night in the tree line

The events unfolded at night. While carrying out the mission, “Dava” was forced to remain alone in a wooded area. Before dawn, he was awakened by the sound of heavy equipment — an enemy infantry fighting vehicle with troops was approaching the positions.

“I saw enemy troops dismounting from the IFV. Some moved in my direction, others toward our guys. I immediately reported to the commander”, — the Marine recalls.

A choice in seconds

In the first moments, he says, his survival instinct kicked in. He was about to withdraw but stopped himself.

“In situations like that, you choose one of two things: panic or pull yourself together and move forward”, — says “Dava.”

Using his advantage — he could see the enemy, while they could not see him — the Marine eliminated the first two occupiers, seized their radio, and began transmitting information to the commander. Further actions were coordinated in close cooperation.

Hunting with radio communications

Together with his comrades nearby, a decision was made to imitate the presence of a much larger Ukrainian force. This allowed them to systematically destroy the entire enemy group and temporarily halt the enemy’s advance in that sector. One occupier was taken prisoner and provided with medical assistance.

“Dava” joined the Armed Forces in February 2025. In civilian life, he worked as a construction worker and consciously chose the Marine Corps.

“I’m close to the boldness and courage of the Marines. Everything here is built on trust and mutual support — like in a family”, — the servicemember concludes.