Hero in the sky

August 25, 1922 was born pilot ace, twice Hero of the Soviet Union Ivan Pavlov Fomich. His exploits could not write a book, and to no one heroic movie. His courage and skill of fighting more than once helped in the most difficult air battles. So it was August 15, 1944, when the team captain of the eight Pavlova IL-2 defeated the enemy squadron of ten bombers and 12 fighters. Soviet pilots destroyed four German aircraft, others received serious injuries, were forced to retreat.





Ivan Pavlov Fomich went to the front in 1942, immediately after Chkalov Military Academy. By 1944 the young captain, Hero of the Soviet Union, commander of the aviation squadron of the 6th Guards Attack Aviation Regiment. Pilots stormtroopers led by Ivan Pavlov called "squadron of brave," they trust the most complex military operations.

I.F.PavlovLetom 1944, Soviet troops of the 1st Baltic Front is rapidly advancing on the Riga direction. The Germans brought up all the reserves, fiercely resisted. This time, it was difficult for pilots Stormtroopers: they made up to 5 sorties per day, as well as the situation on the front line is constantly changing, needed special care is not to hit on her.

August 15 Captain Pavlov was ordered to storm the German calculations that the enemy pulled up to the front line. A team of eight IL-2 has moved to the target.

In the area of ​​the Latvian town of Bauska seemed ten German bombers escorted by 12 fighters. They moved to the position of the Soviet troops and planned to inflict on him a blow. Unequal battle was inevitable.



Ivan Pavlov, having a pre-arranged plan of action, led his ground attack right in the center of the enemy's order.
Bust I.F.Pavlova in Victory Square in the city of Kostanay (Kazakhstan). Photo Valentina KudinovoyPlotno pressed, it was followed by other "ILYUSHIN." Pavlov took aim at the head "Junkers" and made several accurate shots. German plane caught fire, rapidly losing altitude. At the same time opened fire and other pilots. On fire, collapsed to the ground three German aircraft.

Quantitative advantage not successful German squadron.



Unable to withstand the pressure, the surviving German "Junkers" randomly threw bombs before reaching the position of the Soviet troops, and turned back.
A "Squadron brave" in full force to reach the goal, and by attacking enemy positions and returned to base.

During the war, Ivan Pavlov Fomich made 250 sorties, was promoted from private pilot to the assistant commander of the regiment on the air-shooting service. In February 1945, for the exemplary performance of tasks of command and military successes he again was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union and awarded a second "Gold Star" and the Order of Lenin.



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