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Andrey VitrukSoviet military leader, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 08.07.1902
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Content:
- Andrey Nikiforovich Vitruk: A Distinguished Soviet Air Force General
- Artillery and Aviation Service
- World War II
- Avia Group and Aid to Yugoslavia
- Post-War Service and Legacy
Andrey Nikiforovich Vitruk: A Distinguished Soviet Air Force General
Early Life and CareerAndrey Nikiforovich Vitruk was born into a peasant family in the village of Andrushki, in what is now the Zhytomyr Oblast of Ukraine, on July 8, 1902. After completing secondary school, he worked at a sugar factory before joining the Red Army in May 1924.
Artillery and Aviation Service
Vitruk initially served in the artillery, completing training at the Sumy Artillery School in 1930. However, in 1933, his career took a turn when he was transferred to the aviation branch. He graduated from the Borisoglebsk Flight School in 1934 and went on to hold various command positions in the Leningrad Military District.
World War II
With the outbreak of World War II, Vitruk's unit fought on the North-Western, Northern, and Leningrad Fronts. In late 1941, they were transferred to defend Moscow. As commander of the 65th Assault Aviation Regiment, he distinguished himself in numerous combat missions, earning the title of Hero of the Soviet Union in February 1942.
From July 1942 until the end of the war, Vitruk commanded the 10th Guards Assault Aviation Division (formerly the 291st Assault Aviation Division). The division fought on multiple fronts and participated in major operations such as the Battle of Stalingrad, the Belgrade Offensive, and the liberation of several cities.
Avia Group and Aid to Yugoslavia
In October 1944, an aviation group under Vitruk's command, consisting of his division, fighter units, and anti-aircraft artillery, was formed to support the National Liberation Army of Yugoslavia (NOAJ). The group continued to operate until the end of the war, providing assistance to the NOAJ and training Yugoslav aviation personnel.
Post-War Service and Legacy
After the war, Vitruk remained in command of the 10th Guards Assault Aviation Division. He tragically passed away on July 3, 1946, at the age of 44, and was buried in the Park of Eternal Glory in Kyiv.
Vitruk's legacy as a skilled and courageous military leader is honored through streets named after him in various cities, as well as a school where he studied. His numerous military decorations include the Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin, four Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of Suvorov, the Order of Kutuzov, and the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky.
