Anatoliy Golitsin
- Aleksandr Golitsyn: A Hero of the Great Patriotic War
- Military Service
- World War II
- Heroism and Wounds
- Hero of the Soviet Union
- Post-War Career
Aleksandr Golitsyn: A Hero of the Great Patriotic War
Early Life and EducationAleksandr Viktorovich Golitsyn was born on June 29, 1908, in Petrokovo village, Russia. After completing seven years of schooling, he worked as a laborer in a factory from the age of fifteen. In 1929, he graduated from norm-setting courses and worked as a norm-setter in various enterprises in the Ivanovo region.
Military Service
In 1930, Golitsyn entered Moscow State University but was drafted into the Red Army in June 1932. He graduated from flight school in 1935 and served as a pilot in the Leningrad Military District. He fought in the Soviet-Finnish War and was awarded the Order of the Red Star in October 1940.
World War II
Golitsyn joined the Great Patriotic War in June 1941. He flew a Pe-2 bomber as part of the 321st (later renamed 82nd Guards) Bombardment Regiment. In September 1944, he was appointed commander of the 82nd Guards Regiment and led the unit until the end of the war.
Over the final eight months of the war, the regiment under Golitsyn's command carried out 1,025 combat sorties, dropping 930 tons of bombs on enemy targets. They destroyed 32 tanks, 260 rail cars, 357 vehicles, 28 artillery pieces, 21 aircraft, and numerous other military assets.
Heroism and Wounds
Throughout the war, Golitsyn personally flew 96 combat sorties and led 20 group attacks. He was shot down four times and twice escaped from burning aircraft.
On April 19, 1945, while leading an attack on enemy positions near Madlov, Poland, Golitsyn's plane was hit. He bailed out with a parachute but was wounded and captured. He was later liberated by Soviet forces and returned to his regiment on May 1.
Hero of the Soviet Union
For his exceptional bravery and heroism, Golitsyn was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on June 27, 1945.
Post-War Career
After the war, Golitsyn served in the reserves and lived in various cities before settling in Kemerovo. He passed away on December 13, 1978. Today, Aleksandr Viktorovich Golitsyn is remembered as a courageous war hero and a symbol of Soviet military prowess.
