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Dmitriy ErmakovFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 02.11.1920
Country:  Russia |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Born on November 2, 1920, in the village of Ostrovlevo, Dmitry Vasilyevich Ermakov grew up in a farming family. He completed seven grades of school and enrolled in the Torzhok Technical School of Agricultural Mechanization in 1937. Simultaneously, he joined the local aeroclub.
In 1940, Ermakov enlisted in the Red Army and graduated from the Bataisk Military Aviation School two years later. He joined the fighting on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War in May 1942.
Combat Exploits
As a pilot and later a flight commander in the 159th Fighter Aviation Regiment, Ermakov conducted 322 combat sorties. He engaged in 121 ground cover missions and 84 escort flights for transport aircraft.
In 54 air battles, he personally destroyed 25 enemy aircraft and shared three more kills with his comrades. For his courage and military prowess, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on February 23, 1945.
Ermakov's exceptional individualism and preference for solitary "hunting" missions set him apart among the regiment's pilots. However, he also displayed remarkable progress in his aerial skills, surpassing even the legendary Viktor Serov.
Notable Battles
- April 2, 1944: In a fierce battle south of Pskov, Ermakov's group of eight La-5 fighters repelled a large-scale enemy bombing raid, downing seven Junkers Ju-88 bombers and one FW-190 fighter.
- June 11, 1944: Ermakov and his wingman, Valentin Vedeneyev, engaged in a thrilling dogfight against six Finnish Fiat fighters near Kiveniemi-Rauta, destroying three of them despite the numerical disadvantage.
- June 27, 1944: After the tragic loss of Vladimir Serov, Ermakov attacked a large formation of Ju-88 bombers over Vyborg, shooting down two of them at close range.
- July 10, 1944: Ermakov led a group of six La-5 fighters against 10 Junkers Ju-88 bombers and six Messerschmitt Me-109 escort fighters. Despite unfavorable conditions, they broke through the enemy formation, shooting down two bombers and three fighters, with Ermakov personally accounting for a leading Me-109 and a Ju-88.
Postwar Career and Legacy
After the war, Ermakov continued his service in the Air Force, graduating from the Higher Flight and Tactical Officer Courses in 1950. He participated in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, claiming two F-86 kills against American pilots.
Upon returning to the Soviet Union, Ermakov served in the Air Force until his resignation in 1958 with the rank of Colonel. In total, he accumulated 31 aerial victories in two wars.
After retiring, Ermakov settled in his hometown of Kuvshinovo, where he lived until his passing. His exceptional bravery and combat record earned him the Gold Star of Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin, three Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class, three Orders of the Red Star, and numerous medals.
