Leonid Solodkov

Leonid Mikhailovich Solodkov (; born 10 April 1958) is a retired Russian Navy Captain 2nd rank and a Hero of the Soviet Union. Solodkov was awarded the title on 24 December 1991 for his work on diving equipment. Solodkov is the last person awarded the title, having received it two days before the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Early life Solodkov was born on 10 April 1958 in Chornukhyne, Luhansk Oblast in a farming family. His childhood was spent in Volzhsky, Volgograd Oblast, where he graduated from tenth grade. In 1976, he graduated from a course at the Obninsk Branch of the Moscow Engineering and Physics Institute.

Military service Solodkov joined the Soviet Navy in August 1976. He was sent to the Higher Naval Engineering College. In 1980, Solodkov became a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. He graduated from the college in June 1981. In November, he completed the 6th Higher Officer Classes of the Navy. receiving it two days before the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Then with the Russian Navy, Solodkov received his Gold Star on 16 January 1992

Later life In July 1994 Solodkov transferred to the reserve with the Captain 3rd rank rank. He was promoted to Captain 2nd rank in 1999. Solodkov lives in Saint Petersburg. Solodkov was later deputy chairman of the Coordinating Council of Heroes of the Soviet Union, an NGO.