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Ivan LihobabinFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 27.01.1916
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Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Combat Service and Heroism
- Continued Service
- Post-Military Career
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Military Career
Ivan Dmitriyevich Likhobabin was born on January 27, 1916, in the village of Shiryaevo, Voronezh Oblast, Russia. Growing up, he completed seven grades of education and passed external exams to enter a workers' faculty. He then studied at a technical college for Soviet trade and an aeroclub.
In 1939, Likhobabin joined the Red Army. The following year, he graduated from the military aviation pilot school. He began active service in the Great Patriotic War in November 1941.
Combat Service and Heroism
During the war, Likhobabin fought on the North-Western, 1st and 2nd Baltic, 2nd and 3rd Belorussian Fronts. By August 1944, he had completed 276 combat flights as deputy commander of the 72nd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment of the 11th Fighter Aviation Corps.
In 45 aerial battles, Likhobabin personally shot down 17 enemy aircraft and participated in the destruction of 9 more in group engagements. For his bravery and valor, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on October 26, 1944.
Continued Service
By the end of the war, Likhobabin had conducted over 60 air battles and personally destroyed 30 enemy aircraft. He mastered several fighter planes during his career, including the MiG-3, Hurricane, and various Yak models.
After the war, Likhobabin continued to serve in the Air Force. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1951 and retired as a colonel in 1962.
Post-Military Career
In his retirement, Likhobabin lived in Odintsovo, Moscow Oblast. A school in his hometown of Shiryaevo was named after him. He was awarded numerous honors, including the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner, and the Order of the Patriotic War.
Death and Legacy
Ivan Dmitriyevich Likhobabin passed away on April 26, 1994. He is remembered as a highly skilled and courageous fighter pilot who played a significant role in the Soviet Union's victory in the Second World War.
