Ivan Korzunov Squadron Leader, 40th Bomb Regiment Date of Birth: 03.05.1915 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Ivan Korzunov

Major Ivan E. Korzunov, commander of the 40th Bomber Aviation Regiment, completed 191 combat flights to bomb enemy targets deep in the rear. On July 24, 1943, for his courage and military valor displayed in battles against the enemy, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. He was born on May 3, 1915, in Ekaterinoslav (Dnepropetrovsk), in a working-class family. He studied at a factory school at the Moscow Engineering and Economics Institute and worked at a sawmill in Moscow. He joined the Naval Aviation Fleet in 1934 and graduated from the Eisk School of Naval Aviation in 1936. He served on the frontlines of the Great Patriotic War from the very beginning. By April 1943, he became the commander of the 40th Bomber Aviation Regiment (63rd Bomber Aviation Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet Air Force) and completed 191 combat flights to bomb enemy targets deep in the rear. On July 24, 1943, for his courage and military valor displayed in battles against the enemy, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. After the war, he continued to serve in the Air Force. In 1955, he graduated from the General Staff Academy. He was awarded the Orders of Lenin, Red Banner (four times), Nakhimov 1st degree, Ushakov 2nd degree, Patriotic War 1st degree, Red Star, and various medals. Aviation Colonel Ivan E. Korzunov passed away on October 29, 1966. He was buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow. A ship of the Moscow River Administration bears his name.