The key facts
- WWII veteran Dmitry Kolodezny died in Voronezh in his hundredth year of life, three weeks short of his 100th birthday
- He served in the Far East in the 300th Rifle Division, took part in battles against Japanese troops and in the Victory Parade in Harbin in September 1945
- The front-line soldier's death was announced by Voronezh mayor Sergei Petrin
The veteran's death
In Voronezh, Great Patriotic War veteran and honorary citizen of the city Dmitry Kolodezny died in his hundredth year of life. The front-line soldier did not live three weeks until his centenary, which he was to celebrate on November 12. His death was announced by Voronezh mayor Sergei Petrin, who expressed condolences to the veteran's family and loved ones and noted his combat merits and his many years of work after the war.
Military service
Dmitry Kolodezny was born in the Kalach district of Voronezh Oblast. In 1943 he was drafted into the Red Army. He served in the Far East as part of the 300th Rifle Division, commanded a crew of an 82-millimeter mortar and took part in battles against Japanese troops. In September 1945 he became a participant in the Victory Parade in Harbin.
Work and awards
After completing his service, Kolodezny returned to his native region, where he worked as an ambulance driver at the Kalach district hospital. In the 1970s he worked as a driver on a collective farm, and from 2009 he lived in Voronezh. For his military merits he was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd degree, the medal 'For Victory over Japan' and anniversary awards in honor of the Victory. The veteran is survived by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.
