Grigorij Kravchenko Fighter pilot, Heroes of the People's Liberation War in China Date of Birth: 12.10.1912 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Grigory Kravchenko

Grigory Kravchenko was a fighter pilot and a Hero of the Soviet Union. He was born in a large peasant family in Ukraine. His father was called to serve in the army when Grigory was young, leaving the family in constant need and hunger. In 1923, the family moved to Zverinogolovskoe village in the Kurgan region, where Grigory attended school and worked as a farmhand during the summer.

In 1927, Grigory enrolled in a school for rural youth, where he learned about agriculture and cooperative farming. He became an active member of the Komsomol, visiting nearby villages to promote rural cooperative farming and help with grain collection. In 1930, he graduated from the school and joined the Perm Land Surveying College, but his passion for aviation led him to submit an application to become a pilot.

In May 1931, Grigory was accepted into the 1st Military Aviation School named after comrade Myasnikov in Kacha. He quickly mastered the U-1 and R-1 planes and graduated from the school as an excellent aerobatics pilot. He was then appointed as an instructor at the same school, where he trained new cadets.

In 1933, Grigory served in the 403rd Fighter Aviation Regiment, where he learned to fly different types of fighters. His performance as a pilot was highly regarded, and he was recommended for promotion to squadron commander. In 1934, he joined the 116th Special Purpose Fighter Squadron near Moscow and became the leader of a flight.

The squadron carried out special missions for the Air Force Research Institute of the Red Army. They tested new aircraft and aviation equipment, conducted aerial combat training, and explored new tactics for using fighters. Grigory participated in the testing of Kurchevsky's APK-4bis dynamo-reactive aircraft guns on the I-Z fighters.

In recognition of his achievements in combat, political and technical training, Grigory Kravchenko was awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor on May 25, 1936. He was then appointed as a squadron commander and continued to excel in his duties.

In February 1938, Major Kravchenko was sent to China as part of a Soviet volunteer group to assist the Chinese people in their fight against Japanese invaders. He participated in the People's Liberation War in China from April to August 1938, flying 76 combat missions and engaging in 8 aerial battles. He personally shot down 3 bombers and 1 enemy fighter.

During one of the aerial battles, Kravchenko's plane was shot down, but he managed to parachute safely and was rescued by local fishermen. He received a warm welcome from the Chinese people, who respected and admired him for his bravery and skill as a pilot.

For his outstanding contributions to the war effort in China, Grigory Kravchenko was awarded the Order of the Red Banner on November 14, 1938. He returned to the Soviet Union and continued his service in the Air Force Research Institute, participating in various aircraft tests and evaluations.

In February 1939, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his exemplary performance and heroism in fulfilling special government tasks. He received the Gold Star medal, which was newly established as a special distinction for Heroes of the Soviet Union.

Grigory Kravchenko continued his career in the Air Force, serving in different positions and participating in further tests and evaluations of aircraft. He remained an active member of the Communist Party and dedicated his life to serving his country.

Grigory Kravchenko's bravery, skill, and dedication to his country made him a respected figure in the Soviet Union. His contributions to the development of aviation and his heroic actions in combat will always be remembered.