Karel Kučera, young Czech legionary who fell at Bakhmut on 18th March 2023 was awarded Medal of Heroism in memoriam by Petr Pavel yesterday. “Charlie” was also awarded Order for Courage (3rd Class) by Ukraine diplomat Vasyl Zvarych this October

by _Rekron_

19 comments

  1. ***”If I don’t defeat the Russians there, we’ll be fighting them here in a few years.”*** words of Karel nicknamed as “Charlie” or “Czech” about why he went to help Ukraine

    *“We were in special forces together from the very beginning. He was a loyal friend and a true brother as well as an excellent soldier. We were chosen together, trained together and fought together. On every mission. His death was a tragedy and affected everyone in the team and the battalion. After his death everything changed, we changed. Karel sacrificed his life for the good of others, he was a very motivated soldier. Once during a mission I didn’t have a flak jacket on because I had surgery and we came under Russian artillery fire. Karel threw himself at me, laid me down to protect me from the shrapnel, that scene is still running through my head. Karel would give his life for each of us as we would for him, in our team we were brothers, we lived together 24/7, we fought together, we were inseparable. You cannot imagine how much his death affected us. Forever! He died during a mission in Bachmut, he was never afraid. Never! He fought like a lion that day!”* – **Alessio, an Italian comrade from the legions**

    **From documents of 3rd Battalion International Legion:**

    *”Kučera’s specific actions are also described in the documents. In early March last year, his unit came under heavy mortar fire and two of his comrades were wounded. In the Ukrainian army annals, it is written that Karel Kučera risked his life, returned for them and gradually pulled them to safety.*

    *During another operation, his presence of mind prevented his unit from being surrounded and attacked from rear. Thanks to this, the task was completed without loss of life.*

    *The documents also describe his last operation on March 18th, 2023, during which he died. The unit defended the north of the town of Chasiv Yar. His unit again came under heavy mortar fire. Karel discovered an enemy trench and threw two grenades into it. He killed one enemy, wounded another. A wounded Russian soldier managed to fire a salvo from a machine gun against him and caused Karel’s fatal injuries, from which he later succumbed. By risking his own life, he saved others… “*

    In case you are interested in his story: [Paměť Národa](https://magazin.pametnaroda.cz/volne/volne/cech-karel-kucera-zemrel-u-bachmutu-vetriadvaceti-letech)

  6. I hope we will always remember those who had the courage to answer the call to fight against oppression, injustice and the freedom of a Nation.

    Not just in Ukraine but all around the free world.

    Freedom as a price. We tend too much to forget it. tThose who commit to the ultimate sacrifice should be remembered forever ans honnored.

  8. Heroyam Slava! 🇺🇦 Eternal memory for him and all his brothers in arms. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his family and his country so that they can be free, a true hero. Too many have fallen….

  10. He died a hero, fighting for freedom. We owe him and others like him, a debt we cannot pay.

    His courage and bravery is second to none. Glory to the Heroes.

  14. To my Czech brothers and sisters: I love your country, I was there during communism, and I remember every minute of the four days I was there. This young man died for the freedom of Ukraine, and the freedom of my children. He represents the best of your heroic country, and I salute him, and you. Thank you, young Karel.

  16. This is how I would want to be remembered. Rest in peace warrior. Heroyam Slava. 🇺🇦

  17. My experience with folks from CR is that they are some of the kindest and most wonderful people you’d ever meet.

  19. Ukraine made the call.

    This hero responded and made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you son
    Rest in eternal Peace xx

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