 |
Akop ManukyanFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 16.08.1916
|
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Combat Operations
- Distinguished Service on the Eastern Front
- February 1945
- Recognition and Acclaim
- Post-War Service and Retirement
- Civilian Life
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Aкоп Балабекович Манукян was born on August 16, 1916, in Armavir, Krasnodar Krai, to a peasant family. He completed six grades of education and attended the Yerevan FZU school.
Military Career
Initial Training and Early ServiceIn 1935, Манукян joined the Red Army, where he attended the Kachin Military Aviation Pilot School in 1937. He initially served in the Far East before joining the active army in April 1943.
Combat Operations
During World War II, Манукян served in the renowned 402nd Fighter Aviation Regiment, operating various types of Yakovlev fighter aircraft. From April 1943, he participated in battles in the Kuban, the liberation of Donbas, Melitopol, and Crimea, as well as the Belarusian operation.
Distinguished Service on the Eastern Front
December 1944 - January 1945In December 1944 and January 1945, Манукян defended the bridgehead on the western bank of the Vistula River. He subsequently fought near Kustrin and Berlin.
February 1945
By February 1945, as an assistant commander in the 402nd Fighter Aviation Regiment, Манукян had completed 207 боевых вылетов. In 55 aerial battles, he had personally shot down 22 enemy aircraft.
Recognition and Acclaim
On May 15, 1946, Манукян was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his courage and military valor.
Post-War Service and Retirement
Continued Military ServiceFollowing the war, Манукян continued his service in the Air Force, retiring in 1949 with the rank of Major.
Civilian Life
He obtained a degree from the Institute of Food Industry and lived and worked in Yerevan and later in Kharkiv.
Death and Legacy
Акоп Балабекович Манукян passed away on December 15, 1981. His achievements as a fighter pilot, having downed 26 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, are remembered by his country and the world. He was awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner (three times), the Order of Alexander Nevsky, and the Order of the Patriotic War.
