Ivan German Squadron Commander of the 70th Guards Assault Aviation Regiment Date of Birth: 23.09.1915 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Career
3. Heroic Achievements and Recognition
4. Post-War Service and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Ivan Moiseevich German was born on September 23, 1915, in the village of Malaya Vorobzha, now part of the Lebedinsky district in the Sumy region of Ukraine. His family was of peasant origin. After graduating from the Kremenchug Construction Technical College in 1936, German was sent to the Chuguyev Military Aviation Pilot School on a Komsomol directive. He completed his training in 1940.

Military Career

German entered active service with the Soviet Air Force in July 1941. By June 1943, as commander of an air squadron in the 70th Guards Assault Aviation Regiment of the 3rd Guards Assault Aviation Division, 6th Air Army on the North-Western Front, he had completed over 60 combat missions. During those missions, he had downed seven enemy aircraft in aerial combat and destroyed an additional 22 on the ground. Furthermore, he had neutralized 20 tanks and armored vehicles, 70 vehicles carrying troops and supplies, and a significant amount of other enemy equipment and personnel.

Heroic Achievements and Recognition

On August 24, 1943, German was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his extraordinary bravery and military prowess in combat.

Post-War Service and Legacy

After the war, German continued his service in the Soviet Air Force. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1948. In 1956, he retired as a Colonel. He resided and worked in the city of Sumy.

Throughout his military career, German received numerous decorations, including two Orders of Lenin, three Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class, the Order of the Red Star, and several medals.