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Aleksandr BerkutovFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 11.12.1911
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Content:
Early Life and Military Service
Alexander Maksimovich Berkutov was born on November 11, 1911, in the village of Novoye Mordovo in the Tatar Autonomous Republic to a working-class family. His father, Maxim, worked as a mechanic in a local distillery. Alexander completed only elementary school and worked as a laborer and a clerk at the plant.
In 1931, Berkutov joined the Red Army. In 1935, he graduated from the Voroshilovgrad Military Aviation School. He participated in the battles against Japan at the Khalkhin-Gol River in 1939 and the Soviet-Finnish War from 1939 to 1940.
World War II
On August 1942, Berkutov was assigned to the 84th Fighter Aviation Regiment on the North Caucasian Front. As a squadron commander, he flew the I-153 "Chaika" and quickly gained a reputation for bravery and skill.
Berkutov flew numerous sorties, attacking enemy ground targets and engaging in aerial combat. In September 1942, during a fierce battle near the Terek River, he personally destroyed two tanks and damaged several others. For his actions, he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.
In October 1942, Berkutov's plane was damaged in combat, and he was forced to land behind enemy lines. Despite being wounded, he managed to return to safety. After recovering, he returned to the front in 1943.
As a Hero
In March 1944, Berkutov led a group of I-16 fighters against a squadron of German Messerschmitt Bf 109s. In the ensuing battle, he personally shot down two enemy planes. By this time, he had flown over 230 combat missions and engaged in 68 air battles, personally downing 15 enemy aircraft.
On August 2, 1944, Berkutov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his exceptional courage and bravery during the liberation of the North Caucasus and the Crimea.
Post-War Career and Legacy
After the war, Berkutov continued to serve in the Air Force for a short period. However, he retired in 1946 with the rank of Colonel. He then moved to Sochi, Krasnodar Krai, where he worked in various positions, including head of production at a local factory and manager of a driving school.
Alexander Maksimovich Berkutov passed away on January 26, 1962, and was buried in Sochi. He is remembered as a valiant war hero and an exemplary citizen. The pioneer unit of the Karabiha Eight-Year School named after N.A. Nekrasov bore his name for many years.
