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Sergeant Vladimir Melkonyan, who fell during the April war in 2016, would have turned 21 on June 23. Melkonyan was one of the fist victims of the deadly escalation in Karabakh, when he received a fatal gunshot in line of duty, when Azerbaijani forces launched a full-scale offensive in the early hours of April 2 across the entire Line of Contact, using artillery, armored vehicles, and air forces.

For bravery shown Melkonyan was awarded posthumously "For Service in Battle" medals by Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan as well as Armenia’s leadership.

Melkonyan’s patriotism and dedication to Artsakh land was passed to him from his father, who died from diabetes in 1998. Vladimir’s mother was the one who brought up the two brothers with the help of grandparents.

Vladimir was expected to discharge from army in July 2016. His relatives recalled the serviceman never complained while serving in the army and in fact preferred to serve in Artsakh instead of Armenian Ijevan where he was suggested to pass the army service.

Vladimir Melkonyan is one of the seven servicemen from Gyumri who heroically perished during the April Four-Day war.