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David DzhabidzeFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 23.02.1916
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- David Vasiljevich Jabidze: A Legendary Soviet Fighter Pilot
- Military Career
- Combat Exploits
- Taran Incident
- Post-War Career
- Recognition and Awards
- Legacy
David Vasiljevich Jabidze: A Legendary Soviet Fighter Pilot
Early Life and EducationDavid Vasiljevich Jabidze was born on February 23, 1916, in the village of Oktomberi, Georgia, to a peasant family. After completing 10 years of schooling, he enrolled in the chemical faculty of Tbilisi State University.
Military Career
In 1937, Jabidze joined the Red Army. He graduated from the Stalingrad Military Aviation School in 1940 and participated in the Soviet-Finnish War (1939-1940).
With the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War on June 22, 1941, Jabidze flew combat missions from the first day of the war. He fought over the Caucasus and the Kuban, and participated in the liberation of Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland.
Combat Exploits
Jabidze's combat record was outstanding. By March 1945, he had flown 245 combat missions, participated in 60 air battles, personally shot down 19 enemy aircraft, and conducted 37 assault strikes on enemy positions. On July 22, 1941, he performed a daring aerial ramming attack on a Ju-88 bomber, successfully downing the enemy aircraft and landing his own plane safely.
Taran Incident
In August 1942, Jabidze's plane was hit by enemy fire and he was forced to bail out. While parachuting down, he was attacked by an enemy pilot. However, a fellow Soviet fighter pilot intervened and crashed his plane into the enemy aircraft, protecting Jabidze.
Post-War Career
After the war, Jabidze continued to serve in the Air Force until July 16, 1947, when he retired due to medical reasons. He then resumed his education, graduating from the history faculty and completing a doctoral dissertation at Tbilisi State University. He became a professor and taught at the university.
Recognition and Awards
Jabidze was awarded numerous decorations, including the Order of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of Alexander Nevsky, and the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class. In 1946, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery and exceptional combat achievements.
Legacy
Jabidze passed away on December 15, 1982. He is remembered as a legendary fighter pilot whose contributions to the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War earned him the respect and admiration of his comrades and the Soviet people.
In 1980, Jabidze traveled to the city of Novosibirsk, where he had fought with the 278th Aviation Division during the war. During the trip, he was reunited with two women who he had saved as children during an air raid in 1941.
Jabidze's story continues to inspire generations of military personnel and aviation enthusiasts. His courage, skill, and unwavering dedication to his country remain a testament to the extraordinary sacrifices and achievements of the Soviet people during the Great Patriotic War.
