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Ivan KarpovFighter pilot.
Date of Birth: 01.01.1908
Country:  Russia |
Content:
Early Life and Training
Ivan M. Karpov was born in 1908 and became a fighter pilot.Spanish Civil War
In the fall of 1936, Karpov joined the first group of Soviet volunteers to go to Spain to fight in the Spanish Civil War. To avoid the League of Nations' "non-intervention committee," he and his comrades were sent through Austria with Czech passports. However, Karpov was detained due to his lack of knowledge of the Czech language and was arrested. The Soviet embassy intervened and secured his release, allowing him to travel to Moscow.
A second attempt to reach Spain was successful. From April 18, 1937, Karpov fought with distinction in the first fighter squadron in Spain, demonstrating exceptional bravery and skill. He shot down multiple enemy aircraft.
Final Battle and Legacy
Karpov met his demise on February 28 or July 8, 1937 (sources vary), in an aerial battle where 15 Soviet "Chaika" fighters faced a larger force of "Fiat" and "Heinkel" aircraft. In the opening attack, Karpov destroyed a "Heinkel" but became separated from his squadron in the heat of battle and was shot down.
Despite the overwhelming odds, the Soviet pilots managed to shoot down three "Fiats" and one "Heinkel." The people of Madrid, who had witnessed the battle, erupted in applause.
Karpov was posthumously awarded two Orders of the Red Banner, one on June 27 and the other on November 11, 1937.
