Gurgen Dalibaltayan, a legendary colonel-general and state figure who played a paramount role in Armenia’s army building efforts, died on Monday at age 89, reports the defense ministry’s press service.
Born in Georgia in June 1926, Dalibaltayan military education at the Infantry College in Tbilisi and the Frunze Military Academy in Moscow. He served in the USSR Armed Forces from 1947 until 1991, holding different military ranks and titles.
In 1991, which marked a groundbreaking moment for the independent Armenia’s military, Dalibaltayan joined the national armed forces to assist in it formation and development by offering expertise to younger officers.
Until 2006, Dalibaltayan held different offices in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia. From 1993 to 2006, he was the General Adviser of the president; in 2000 he was appointed a general military inspector.
For his invaluable services for the fatherland, Dalibaltayanr received different state honors and awards.