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Iurij GorbkoBomber pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Soviet-Finnish War
Date of Birth: 23.03.1908
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Birth and Early Life
- Military Service
- Soviet-Finnish War
- Hero of the Soviet Union
- World War II
- Death and Legacy
Birth and Early Life
Yuri Nikolaevich Gorbko was born in the family of a worker in Ukraine. After completing his seven-year education in 1926, he worked as a riveter in a factory in Moscow.
Military Service
In December 1929, Gorbko joined the Red Army and became a member of the Communist Party in 1930. In 1932, he graduated from the 2nd Military Pilot School of the Air Forces in Borisoglebsk.
Soviet-Finnish War
During the Soviet-Finnish War, Gorbko served as the commander of the 2nd Squadron of the 50th High-Speed Bomber Aviation Regiment of the 18th Bomber Aviation Brigade of the 7th Army of the North-Western Front. He completed 52 combat sorties and was awarded the Medal "For Courage."
Hero of the Soviet Union
On March 21, 1940, Gorbko was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and received the Golden Star Medal No. 255.
World War II
In June 1941, Gorbko participated in the Great Patriotic War as a squadron commander in a bomber aviation regiment. In August 1941, he was appointed commander of the 24th Bomber Aviation Regiment, flying the Pe-2 dive bomber. In February 1942, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
Death and Legacy
On May 27, 1942, Gorbko was killed in action near the city of Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast. According to eyewitness accounts, his bomber was shot down by enemy fighters while returning from a successful bombing mission over enemy tanks. Gorbko was unable to escape as his legs were trapped in the wreckage of the aircraft. After handing over his party documents and Golden Star Medal, he used his pistol to end his life rather than falling into enemy hands.
Gorbko's death was a tragic loss for the Soviet Air Forces. He was remembered as a courageous and skilled pilot who fought bravely against the enemy. For his exceptional heroism and service, Gorbko was posthumously awarded the Order of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner, and numerous medals. His name is inscribed on memorials to fallen war heroes throughout Russia.
