Sergey Alexandrovich
Panov
1989-2022
Sergey Alexandrovich Panov served as the commander of the reconnaissance battalion of the 21st Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, Central Military District. Holding the rank of Guards Major, he was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation. He was born on May 13, 1989, in the village of Stroiteli, the Orenburg Region. Panov became the only man in his family after his father’s death when Sergey was just ten years old. In 2006, he finished high school in the village of Sakmara and enlisted in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Four years later, he graduated from Kazan Higher Tank Command School and went on to serve in various command roles. Initially stationed in Yekaterinburg, he was later transferred to the 21st Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, stationed in the village of Totskoye, the Orenburg Region, where he took command of a reconnaissance battalion. Panov participated in a military operation in Syria, where he demonstrated exceptional bravery during an engagement with international terrorist groups. Despite being wounded by a landmine explosion, he rescued his injured commander under heavy fire, an act of heroism for which he received the Medal of the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” 2nd class with swords. From February 24, 2022, Panov took part in a special military operation in the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. His brigade operated in the Sumy region of Ukraine. On March 4, 2022, leading a reconnaissance team into the city of Konotop, Major Panov encountered an ambush and was engaged in a battle with Ukrainian forces. Despite being outnumbered, his group inflicted significant losses on the enemy. As reinforcements arrived for the opposing side, Panov ordered his men to retreat, remaining behind in his BMP (infantry fighting vehicle) to cover their withdrawal. He continuously shifted positions to strike the enemy unexpectedly until he was struck by heavy artillery fire, sacrificing his life to protect his soldiers. By Presidential Decree on March 28, 2022, Guards Major Sergey Alexandrovich Panov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation for courage and heroism in service. His Golden Star Medal was presented to his family on April 23, 2022, during a ceremony at the Officers’ Club of the Totskoye garrison. Panov was buried on March 25, 2022, in the New Cemetery of Sakmara, the Orenburg Region. In his honour, a commemorative plaque was installed on the building of his high school in Sakmara, which now bears his name. A bust of him was unveiled in the schoolyard on September 21, 2023.
Address: Moscow, Victory Park
