Ivan Kuznetcov Squadron commander of the 107th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment Date of Birth: 05.01.1917 Country: Belarus

Biography of Ivan Kuznetsov

Ivan Aleksandrovich Kuznetsov, the commander of the 107th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, made 219 combat flights. In 59 aerial battles, he shot down 10 enemy aircraft and destroyed many enemy forces and equipment with ground attacks. On June 27, 1945, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery and military valor displayed in battles against the enemy.

Early Life and Military Career
Ivan Aleksandrovich Kuznetsov was born on January 5, 1917, in the village of Repnoye, in the Uvarovsky District of the Tambov Region, in a peasant family. He completed 7 years of primary school and 2 courses at an agricultural technical school. From 1936 to 1938, he served in the Red Army. In 1938, he graduated from the Kachin Military Aviation School for Pilots. He worked as an instructor at the Donetsk Aeroclub. From December 1942, he served in the active army and became the commander of the 107th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment by May 1945.

Hero of the Soviet Union
As the commander of the 107th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment in the 11th Guards Fighter Aviation Division, 2nd Air Army, 1st Ukrainian Front, Senior Lieutenant Ivan A. Kuznetsov made 219 combat flights. In 59 aerial battles, he shot down 10 enemy aircraft and destroyed enemy forces and equipment with ground attacks. On June 27, 1945, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery and military valor displayed in battles against the enemy.

Post-War Career and Honors
After the war, Ivan A. Kuznetsov continued to serve in the Air Force. In 1953, he graduated from the Higher Officer Flight and Tactical Courses and served in the country's Air Defense Forces, commanding a unit. He retired as a Major General of Aviation in 1972. He was awarded the Orders of Lenin, Red Banner (four times), Alexander Nevsky, the Patriotic War 1st and 2nd class, and the Red Star (twice), as well as various Soviet and foreign medals. A pioneer squad of School No. 19 in Astrakhan was named after him.

Later Years
In his later years, Ivan A. Kuznetsov lived in Astrakhan and worked as the chairman of the regional DOSAAF committee. He became an honorary citizen of Astrakhan. Ivan Aleksandrovich Kuznetsov had dreamed of airplanes since childhood. He first flew a plane in 1936 and continued flying until 1973. He rose through the ranks from a cadet at the Kachin Military Aviation School to the commander of an aviation division, eventually becoming a Major General of Aviation.

Legacy
Ivan A. Kuznetsov's war experience and achievements in the Soviet Air Force were remarkable. He displayed exceptional bravery and skill in aerial combat, earning the highest military honor of the Soviet Union. His dedication to his country continued after the war, as he served in various roles within the aviation and veterans' organizations. Today, Ivan A. Kuznetsov resides with his wife Klavdiya Pavlovna, taking care of their grandchildren and tending to flowers. Despite age-related health challenges, he remains proud of his service and contributions to his country.