Ivan Borzov Soviet military leader, air marshal, Hero of the Soviet Union Date of Birth: 21.10.1915

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Career: Early Years
3. Soviet-Finnish War and Early WWII
4. Commander of the 1st Guards Torpedo Bomber Aviation Regiment
5. Hero of the Soviet Union
6. Post-War Career

Early Life and Education

Ivan Ivanovich Borzov was born in Moscow, where he completed elementary and vocational school. He worked on a construction site before enrolling in the Moscow Aviation College while attending the Osoaviahim flying club.

Military Career: Early Years

In 1935, Borzov was drafted into the Red Navy. He graduated from the Yeysk Naval Aviation School in 1936. Subsequently, he served as a senior pilot in the Black Sea Fleet's Air Force and the Pacific Fleet's Air Force.

Soviet-Finnish War and Early WWII

In late 1939, Borzov participated in the Soviet-Finnish War. He flew 25 combat missions and earned an order. Following the war, he remained in the Baltic Fleet's Air Force and became a flight commander.

With the outbreak of World War II in June 1941, Borzov served as deputy squadron commander. He distinguished himself with courage and was awarded an Order of Ushakov for skilfully landing a burning aircraft. However, a military tribunal convicted him of a disciplinary violation that resulted in a plane crash and sentenced him to 10 years in prison with a wartime deferment.

Despite the conviction, Borzov continued fighting, albeit in a lesser role. He was shot down and stranded behind enemy lines, but he managed to escape and guide his crew and stranded Red Army soldiers back to safety. He was later reinstated as deputy squadron commander in the 57th Assault Aviation Regiment.

Commander of the 1st Guards Torpedo Bomber Aviation Regiment

In April 1942, Borzov rejoined his "home" regiment, which had earned the title of 1st Guards Torpedo Bomber Aviation Regiment. He was appointed squadron commander and later became the regiment's chief of staff. As the squadron and then regimental commander, Borzov led numerous successful attacks against enemy ships, sinking two transports and a patrol boat.

Hero of the Soviet Union

On July 22, 1944, Borzov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his courage and 147 combat missions. He mastered innovative tactics such as moonlight attacks and radar guidance. Overall, he sank seven enemy vessels with a total displacement of 36,000 tons.

Post-War Career

In January 1945, Borzov was recalled from the front and became assistant to the head of the Nikolaev Naval Aviation School for flight training. He became a member of the Communist Party in 1942.