According to accounts from his fellow pilots, including the legendary Pilot Shiroudi, Sohilian was determined to liberate Sarpol Zahab. Even when the situation seemed hopeless, Sohilian sat alone on the grass of the barracks, resolute in his belief that the base could be saved. His unwavering determination inspired Shiroudi and others to join him in what would become a successful operation to reclaim the base from Iraqi forces. The liberation of Sarpol Zahab was a turning point in the early days of the war, and Sohilian’s leadership was instrumental in that victory.
A Symbol of Faith and Patriotism
Martyr Hamidreza Sohilian is remembered not only for his military prowess but also for his deep faith and sense of duty to his country. He was a man who seamlessly blended his religious beliefs with his military service, viewing his role as a pilot as part of a larger, spiritual mission to defend the Islamic Republic of Iran. His commitment to his fellow soldiers, his unwavering courage in the face of danger, and his ultimate sacrifice have made him a symbol of patriotism and martyrdom in Iran.
Sohilian’s story is often told alongside those of other martyr pilots like Shiroudi, Kishori, Pishgah Hadian, and Davrzadeh, all of whom fought and died in the western region of Iran during the war. These men, collectively, represent the indomitable spirit of the Iranian Air Force during one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history.