A BIRTHDAY OF AN OUTSTANDING UPA CAPTAIN

January 5, 1923 was born Miroslav "Kryvonis" Simchich, a legendary captain of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (the UPA), he fought from 1943 to 1948 as a captain of Berezivska division, well known in Ukrainian history as an UPA unit, which participated in the battle at Kosmach and destroyed a column of the Soviet invaders (members of the NKVD). During the battle the soldiers of Berezivska division have eliminated 405 invaders including their commander - Major-General Dergachov.

During the period of the Ukrainian national-liberation struggle of 40's he was seriously wounded twice. After a ten hour battle Miroslav Simchich was captured by the Soviet soldiers in unconscious condition. Several times he was convicted and miraculously survived in Stalin's camps, generally 32 years of imprisonment. Now Miroslav lives in Kolomyia. 

A man of fire and steel, into whose eyes still burns the fire of those glorious days of our struggle. Today Miroslav Simchich celebrates his 93th birthday!