Ivan Babak Fighter pilot Date of Birth: 26.07.1919 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Ivan Babak

Ivan Ivanovich Babak, a Guards junior lieutenant and fighter pilot, distinguished himself in battles during the breakthrough of the enemy defense on the Molochaya River and the liberation of Mariupol. Born on July 26, 1919, in the village of Alekseevka, now in the Nikopol district of the Dnipropetrovsk region, in a peasant family. He graduated from the Zaporizhzhia Pedagogical Institute and the Aero Club in 1940 and worked as a teacher before joining the Red Army in 1940. He completed his training at the Stalingrad Military Aviation School in 1942 and served on the front lines of the Great Patriotic War from May 1942.
Combat Achievements

In September 1943, Ivan Babak was recognized for personally shooting down 18 enemy aircraft and 4 more in a group. On November 1, 1943, he was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his courage and valor in battles against the enemy. He flew a total of 330 combat missions and shot down 35 enemy aircraft personally and 5 more as part of a group in 103 aerial battles. He served in the 45th IAP (from June 18, 1943 - 100th Guards IAP) and later in the 16th Guards IAP. He was the commander of a squadron in the 100th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment. Ivan Babak continued his service in the Air Force after the war and graduated from the Higher Officer Aviation Tactical Courses in 1947. He retired as a captain in 1949 and was awarded the Orders of Lenin, Red Banner (twice), Patriotic War 1st Class, Red Star, and various medals. He authored the book "Stars on Wings" and passed away on June 24, 2001.
Legacy

Ivan Babak's name and his immense courage and high flying skills are mentioned in many memoirs dedicated to the feats of Soviet pilots. He was known as a commander at the age of 25. Although his path to military glory was not easy, like many of his peers, he experienced the hardships of war. After the war, he faced challenges in his civilian life. His story was even featured in the film "Clear Sky" where his real-life experiences as a Soviet pilot held captive by the enemy were portrayed. Ivan Babak's life exemplifies the determination, bravery, and resilience of the Soviet people during World War II.