Revolutionary Vasil Yonkov — Glozhenetsa

Vasil Yonkov, known as Glozhenetsa, was a Bulgarian revolutionary, Volunteer Corps soldier and veteran of the liberation struggle, an active participant in revolutionary events and the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878.

Vasil Yonkov joined the First Bulgarian Legion in Belgrade in 1862, where he became a close friend of Vasil Levski. He also joined the Second Bulgarian Legion in 1867–1868. In March 1868, before the legion disbanded, he was expelled from Belgrade with other "protesting, insubordinate legionaries". He returned to his native Glozhene, telling the authorities that he had come back from working away from home.

In 1869, following Levski's suggestion, Vasil Yonkov opened an inn in Glozhene that became a convenient base for revolutionary activity. In the summer of 1870, when Levski remained in Bulgaria, Vasil Yonkov became one of his chief assistants in establishing local revolutionary committees in the Teteven, Orhanie and other regions of Bulgaria. He played an important role in spreading revolutionary ideas and forming committees.

After the Arabakonak robbery and Dimitar Obshti's arrest, Vasil Yonkov was arrested in October 1872. For his revolutionary activities he was sentenced to 15 years of penal labour in the Ergani Maden (Bakardzhiya Madem) mines in Diyarbakır.

During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, Vasil Yonkov joined the Bulgarian Volunteer Corps. He participated in the battles at Dzhuranli and Stara Zagora, where he was wounded in the right leg. For his bravery he received the Military Cross Distinction "For Bravery", Fourth Class.

Vasil Yonkov served in the Volunteer Corps until 15 July 1878, when he was discharged and returned to his native village. His fellow villagers welcomed him warmly and respectfully, and he continued to be active in revolutionary and public affairs.