MOSCOW, May 12 (AVN) - Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree conferring the title of the Hero of Russia upon Yury Em, commander of the 247th airborne regiment of the 7th airborne division , a source in the awarding department of the Airborne told the Military News Agency.
He is the 45th Hero of Russia from the Airborne.
Colonel Em, Korean by nationally, was born in the village of Kurgan, Perm region on September 12, 1953. He graduated from the Alma-Ata higher combined army command college in 1975, the Frunze Military Academy in 1985. He was at war in Afghanistan in 1980-1982, participated in the first Chechnya campaign in 1995-1996.
The regiment commanded by Yury Em took part in the defeat of the Basayev and Khattab illegal armed formations in Dagestan, in liberation of Chechnya's Shali, Pervomayskoye, Komsomolskoye localities, eliminated over 200 and captured 50 extremists.
The 25-year old son of Colonel Em fought in his father's regiment. Lieutenant Alexander Em, platoon commander has combat awards - Order of Courage and Medal for Bravery.