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Ivan KozhedubFighter pilot, three times Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 08.06.1920
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Content:
- Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub: The Legendary Soviet Fighter Pilot
- The Lone Warrior
- "Skill Overwhelms Numbers"
- The First Jet
- "From Russia With Love"
Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub: The Legendary Soviet Fighter Pilot
A Star is BornOn March 19, 1943, Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub, an exceptional fighter pilot of the USSR, was awarded the first of his three Stars of the Hero of the Soviet Union. At the time, the ace pilot had already downed 20 enemy aircraft and completed 146 combat sorties.
The Lone Warrior
Despite the typical preference of fighter pilots for covering ground forces, Kozhedub embraced any opportunity to take to the skies. On September 30, 1943, while escorting troops crossing the Dnieper River, he found himself alone in the sky without cover from comrades. Spotting German Junkers bombers, Kozhedub daringly attacked them solo. His bold tactics confused the enemy and led to the destruction of one Ju-87, forcing the remaining bombers to retreat.
"Skill Overwhelms Numbers"
Just three days after his lone engagement with the Junkers, Kozhedub and his comrades faced an overwhelming enemy force. Protecting a riverbank bridgehead, nine Soviet La-5 fighters encountered a massive formation of 81 Junkers-87 bombers and 54 Me-109 fighters. Kozhedub, leading five aircraft, attacked the bombers, their unexpected assault causing chaos among the enemy. Within minutes, two Ju-87s crashed, while the rest retreated in disarray. Once again, Kozhedub sealed the victory by shooting down a Luftwaffe fighter.
The First Jet
In February 1945, Kozhedub made history by becoming one of the first pilots in the world to down a German Me-262 jet fighter-bomber. Flying with his comrade Dmitry Titorenko, he spotted the advanced aircraft flying at a speed that exceeded the limits of Soviet La-7s. However, Kozhedub noticed that the German pilot was neglecting to monitor below him. Seizing the opportunity, Kozhedub intercepted the jet on a perpendicular course and shot it down from beneath.
"From Russia With Love"
Kozhedub's tally of 64 German aircraft shot down during World War II is widely known. However, it is lesser known that he also had two American victories. In April 1945, he chased away two German fighters attacking a U.S. B-17 bomber but was then targeted by American fighters. Displaying his exceptional aerial skills, Kozhedub outmaneuvered the Mustangs and destroyed both of them. Days later, he engaged another formation of American bombers, downing three of them and scattering the rest. Though these victories were not officially counted, they became a testament to his extraordinary ability as a fighter pilot.
