Details about the origin and life of 23-year-old midshipman Alexander Alexandrovich Domashenko have not survived, but his heroic and martyr-like death will forever remain in the history of the Russian Navy. Most feats of officers are associated with war and battles, but Domashenko performed a different feat, following God's covenant, laying down his life for his friends.

This story took place in 1827, when the Russian government sent its ships to the shores of Greece to support the Orthodox people in their struggle against Turkish occupiers for national freedom. The squadron was commanded by Rear Admiral Count Login Petrovich Heyden.

Among the squadron was the ship "Azov" commanded by Captain 1st rank Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev, known as one of the pioneers of Antarctica. Lazarev valued the lives of his subordinates and created an atmosphere of mutual respect on the ship. "Azov" became a forge of highly qualified personnel, where future naval commanders Vladimir Istomin, Vladimir Kornilov, and Pavel Nakhimov served. Alongside them served young midshipman Alexander Domashenko.

On September 9, 1827, the Russian squadron encountered a severe storm near the island of Sicily. When the order was given to take in the sails, one of the sailors fell overboard. Domashenko, who had just finished his watch, noticed this and, without hesitation, jumped into the water to save his comrade. He managed to catch the sailor, but another wave engulfed them both. The rescue boat did not arrive in time. Thus, the 23-year-old midshipman perished while saving a sailor.

Domashenko did not witness the Battle of Navarino, in which the crew of "Azov" gained fame by destroying several Turkish ships. For this battle, "Azov" received the St. George's ensign, and Lazarev was promoted to rear admiral. However, Domashenko received a different reward, the highest for a Christian, achieving immortality before God and men.

After returning from the war, Domashenko's comrades, led by Lazarev and Nakhimov, began preparations to create a monument to the fallen officer. Admiral Heyden supported the initiative, and a petition was submitted to Emperor Nicholas I. The sovereign not only allowed the monument to be erected but also ordered a lifelong pension for Domashenko's mother in the amount of double his son's salary. Funds for the monument were quickly raised, and on the first anniversary of Domashenko's death, a solemn unveiling took place, attended by the entire crew of "Azov," the highest naval command, and representatives of the Romanov House led by Emperor Nicholas I. Thus, honors were paid to this hero.

It is known that Domashenko was born in 1804 and managed to complete a round-the-world voyage from 1822 to 1825 on the frigate "Kreiser" under Lazarev's command, and then transferred to "Azov," where he found his glorious death.

Unfortunately, a portrait of midshipman Domashenko has not survived, but a monument and paintings related to his feat and the people who immortalized his memory remain.