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Evgenij PtuhinFighter pilot, lieutenant general of aviation, Heroes of the Soviet-Finnish war
Date of Birth: 03.03.1902
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Biography of Evgeny Ptukhin
- War Experiences and Achievements
- Leadership and Recognition
- Later Career and Contributions
Biography of Evgeny Ptukhin
Early Life and Military CareerEvgeny Ptukhin was born in a family of civil servants in Russia. He completed his primary school education and in 1918, he volunteered to join the Red Army. He became a member of the Communist Party in 1918 and participated in the Civil War. Ptukhin served in the 3rd Moscow Aviation Group as a motorist and fought on the Southern Front. He also participated in battles on the Polish Front and in the defeat of Baron Wrangel. In 1922, he graduated from the Motor School and in 1924, he graduated from the Military Flying School. He served in the 2nd Dzerzhinsky Squadron and later became a squadron commander. He then commanded the 142nd Aviation Brigade of the Belarusian Military District, which was based in Bobruisk.
War Experiences and Achievements
Ptukhin was known for his strong will, fearlessness, inexhaustible energy, and strong sense of camaraderie. He participated in the Spanish Civil War from May 1937 to February 1938 under the pseudonym "General Jose." He commanded a fighter group of the Republican Air Force and was also the chief adviser to the commander of the Republican Aviation on the Madrid, Aragon, and Teruel fronts. Ptukhin was awarded the Orders of Lenin and the Red Banner for his service in Spain.
During his military career, Ptukhin personally and as part of a group shot down several enemy aircraft. On June 4, 1937, his group shot down an enemy fighter plane while patrolling the Segovia direction. On July 9, 1937, he and Bozhko Petrovich shot down a German Messerschmitt Bf.109 over Madrid. Ptukhin's skill and bravery in aerial combat earned him recognition and respect among his comrades.
Leadership and Recognition
In November 1935, Ptukhin was promoted to the rank of brigade commander. In May 1936, he was awarded the Order of the Red Star for his achievements in combat, political, and technical training. He was also given a car as a prize for his performance in military exercises. In February 1938, he was promoted to the rank of corps commander. Ptukhin served as the commander of the Air Force of the Leningrad Military District and played a significant role in the Soviet-Finnish War. In January 1940, he became the commander of the Air Force of the Northwest Front.
For his skilled leadership during the breakthrough of the Mannerheim Line, Ptukhin was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on March 21, 1940. He was also awarded the Gold Star Medal. Ptukhin's contributions to the war effort were recognized, and he was given the responsibility of commanding the Combined Air Force of the Northwest Front.
Later Career and Contributions
After the Soviet-Finnish War, Ptukhin continued to serve in the military. He participated in strategic discussions to gather experiences from the war against Finland. Ptukhin emphasized the importance of concentrated and coordinated actions among different branches of the military and the need for efficient bombing strategies. He also highlighted the vulnerability of bomber planes and the need for improved aircraft designs to withstand enemy attacks.
Ptukhin's leadership and strategic thinking were highly regarded, and he continued to serve in various high-ranking positions in the Soviet military. He made significant contributions to the development and tactics of the Soviet Air Force and played a key role in the defense and success of the Soviet Union during World War II.
Overall, Evgeny Ptukhin was a distinguished fighter pilot and military leader who was recognized for his bravery, skill, and contributions to the Soviet military.
