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Alexey KravtsovParticipant of the Great Patriotic War, pilot, captain, Hero of the Soviet Union.
Date of Birth: 17.03.1918
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
Biography of Viktor Vasilyevich Kravtsov
Early Life and Military ServiceViktor Vasilyevich Kravtsov was born on March 17, 1918, in the town of Sulin (now Krasny Sulin), Rostov Oblast, Russia. He worked as a turner in a metallurgical factory before being conscripted into the Red Army in 1936. In 1939, he graduated from the Stalingrad Military Aviation School.
World War II
Kravtsov joined the fight against Nazi Germany in April 1943 as commander of a squadron in the 947th Assault Aviation Regiment. By October 30, 1944, he had flown 136 combat missions, striking railway echelons, armored trains, enemy positions, and troops.
Throughout the war, Kravtsov flew 180 combat missions in the Ilyushin Il-2 ground-attack aircraft, damaging 64 tanks, 146 armored vehicles, 17 anti-aircraft batteries, one ammunition echelon, and one armored train.
Post-War Career
After the war, Kravtsov held various command positions. He graduated from the Higher Flight-Tactical Courses for Command Staff in 1948 and the Air Force Academy in 1955. In the 1970s, he served as chief of the army political department at the headquarters of the 26th Air Army.
Recognition and Legacy
For his extraordinary courage and military achievements, Viktor Kravtsov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on February 23, 1945. He also received the Order of Lenin twice, the Order of the Red Banner five times, the Order of Alexander Nevsky, two Orders of the Patriotic War, First Class, the Order of the Red Star, and numerous medals.
Viktor Kravtsov passed away on October 22, 2006, and was buried in Minsk, Belarus. His memory is honoured by a bust erected in his hometown and a memorial plaque placed on the building where he lived.
