Evgeniy TsiganovFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 22.08.1921
Country: Azerbaijan |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Born on August 22, 1921, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Yevgeny Tsyganov was a young man with a passion for aviation. After graduating from high school and an aeroclub, he joined the Navy in 1939. In 1940, he completed his training at the Yeisk Naval Aviation School named after I. V. Stalin.
World War II
With the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War in 1941, Tsyganov found himself on the front lines, fighting in the Baltic Sea. By December 1943, as Squadron Commander of the 4th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, he had logged an impressive 492 combat missions, including 120 sorties for ground attack and reconnaissance. In 65 aerial battles, he had shot down 14 enemy aircraft.
Hero of the Soviet Union
On January 22, 1944, Tsyganov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his exceptional courage and bravery in combat. His feats included protecting the "Road of Life" on Lake Ladoga from German bombers and engaging in daring air battles over Leningrad.
Notable Victories
One of Tsyganov's most famous exploits occurred in an aerial battle over the Gulf of Narva on April 21, 1943. Leading a squadron of four La-5s, he intercepted a group of German fighter planes and shot down two enemy aircraft. In another fierce encounter in May 1943, Tsyganov faced off against six FW-190s and one Me-109, single-handedly downing one "Focke-Wulf" and forcing the others to retreat.
Post-War Career
After the war, Tsyganov continued to serve in the Navy. He graduated from the Red Banner Air Force Academy in 1953 and the Military Academy of the General Staff in 1960, commanding a division in the process. In 1968, he retired with the rank of Major General of Aviation. He lived in Tallinn, Estonia, and was awarded numerous orders and medals for his service, including the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner. He passed away on May 23, 1971.