Andrey Melnikov

Andrey Alexandrovich Melnikov (Russian: Андрей Александрович Мельников, Belarusian: Андрэй Мельнікаў; 11 April 1968 – 8 January 1988) was a machine gunner with the rank of private in the 9th Company of the 345th Independent Guards Airborne Regiment under the 40th Army during the Soviet-Afghan war.^[1]

Andrey Alexandrovich Melnikov
Born	11 April 1968 Mogilyov, Byelorussian SSR, USSR
Died	8 January 1988(1988-01-08) (aged 19) Hill 3234, Paktia Province, Afghanistan
Allegiance	Soviet Airborne Forces (1986–1988)
Years of service	1986–1988
Rank	Private
Battles/wars	Soviet–Afghan War Battle for Hill 3234 †
Awards	Hero of the Soviet Union

Melnikov was present during the Battle for Hill 3234 as an RPK gunner. During the late night of January 8, Melnikov blunted a strong mujahideen attack on the 9th Company's position, at the cost of his life. For his bravery and skill under fire, Melnikov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.