Aleksej Gubrij Bomber pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Soviet-Finnish war Date of Birth: 12.02.1907 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Alexey Gubriy

Alexey Antonovich Gubriy was a bomber pilot and a Hero of the Soviet Union. He was also a Hero of the Soviet-Finnish War. Gubriy was born on April 21, 1909. He received two Orders of Lenin, three Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of Suvorov 2nd Class, two Orders of the Red Star, and several medals for his military achievements.

Gubriy completed his secondary education and worked as a motorist before being drafted into the Red Army in 1928. He was sent to the Training Squadron of the Black Sea Fleet and graduated as a ship engineer. He then served as an aircraft mechanic in Sevastopol. In 1932, he graduated from the Leningrad Military-Theoretical School for Pilots, and in 1935, he graduated from the Military School for Naval Aviators and Navigators named after Stalin.

From 1935 to 1938, Gubriy served as a flight instructor at the Military School for Naval Aviators and Navigators in Yeysk. During this time, he trained many naval aviators, including future Hero of the Soviet Union Savchenko. From February 1939, he served as the assistant commander of the 18th Marine Reconnaissance Aviation Squadron of the Baltic Fleet Air Force.

Gubriy participated in the Soviet-Finnish War as the assistant commander of the 18th Marine Reconnaissance Aviation Squadron. He carried out 22 combat missions, including reconnaissance, close air support for ground troops, and bombing of enemy targets. His squadron did not suffer any material or personnel losses during the battles.

In December 1939, while performing a combat mission, Gubriy got caught in thick fog but managed to find his airfield and land safely. On February 2, 1940, he flew a MBR-2 aircraft to the landing site of Lieutenant Pinchuk's bomber, which had been shot down during a reconnaissance flight and made a forced landing on the ice of the Gulf of Finland. Gubriy rescued the crew members and brought them back to his airfield.

Gubriy became a Hero of the Soviet Union on April 21, 1940. He participated in the Great Patriotic War from June 1941. He took part in the defense of Odessa and Sevastopol. He served as the commander of the 18th Assault Aviation Regiment of the Black Sea Fleet Air Force. By the time of its formation, the regiment had 10 operational single-seat Il-2 attackers.

During the defense of Sevastopol, Gubriy led his regiment in intense aerial combat. The regiment eventually became a Guards regiment and was awarded the Order of the Red Banner twice.

In May 1942, the 18th Assault Aviation Regiment had only 12 aircraft left. Despite the deteriorating situation, Gubriy and his regiment continued to carry out their missions. In June, during the third assault on Sevastopol, the regiment suffered heavy losses. Only 32 aircraft remained, and they were ordered to evacuate to the Caucasus.

Gubriy later commanded the 8th Guards Assault Aviation Regiment and the 11th Assault Aviation Novorossiysk Regiment. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Alexey Gubriy served his country with bravery and dedication throughout his military career, earning numerous awards and recognition for his valor in combat.