Konstantinos Versis (, 1901–1941) was a
Greek Army officer and hero of
World War II
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
.
Life
Versis was born in
Athens
Athens ( ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Greece, largest city of Greece. A significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean, Athens is also the capital of the Attica (region), Attica region and is the southe ...
in 1901. He participated as a 2nd Lieutenant of the Greek Artillery in the
Greco-Turkish War, during the last year of operations (1922). According to war reports he was distinguished on battlefield.
On 28 October 1940, when Greece entered World War II, he was positioned in
Epirus
Epirus () is a Region#Geographical regions, geographical and historical region, historical region in southeastern Europe, now shared between Greece and Albania. It lies between the Pindus Mountains and the Ionian Sea, stretching from the Bay ...
, as a commander of the 1st Battery of the Vth Artillery Regiment, part of the
8th Infantry Division. During the
Fascist Italian invasion at the sector of
Elaia–Kalamas he participated in the defense and his battery and inflicted serious damage to the attacking enemy, who was soon repulsed from Greek soil. During the next months he participated in the counter offensive, which resulted in the successful advance of the Greek forces deep into enemy-held territory.
[
After the German invasion in support of Fascist Italy, in April 1941, the front collapsed and Greek Army capitulated. As part of the capitulation terms the Greek soldiers had to surrender their guns to the Germans, at April 26.][ After saluting his guns he ordered to set them on fire, while during the explosions he committed suicide.
]
Legacy
In honor of his distinguished wartime activity, the 2010 graduate class of the Evelpidon Military Academy bears his name.[
]
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Versis, Konstantinos
1901 births
1941 deaths
Greek military personnel of World War II
Greek military personnel who died by suicide
Hellenic Army officers
Military personnel from Athens