 |
Ivan ZabegailoSquadron Commander of the 1st Guards Order of Lenin Red Banner Fighter Aviation Regiment
Date of Birth: 13.05.1917
|
Content:
Early Life and Education
Ivan Ivanovich Zabaigalo was born on May 13, 1917, in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, to a working-class family. He completed his education through the seventh grade in 1931.
Military Career
In 1937, Zabaigalo joined the Red Army and graduated from the Borisoglebsk Military Aviation School of Pilots. He served in the Soviet Air Force (VVS) before the outbreak of World War II.
World War II
During the war, Zabaigalo served as a pilot and squadron commander in the 29th Fighter Aviation Regiment. The regiment's exemplary performance and heroism in the Moscow defensive battles earned it the distinction of becoming the 1st Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment in 1941.
By March 1943, Zabaigalo had flown 326 combat sorties, engaging in 99 air battles. He personally shot down 16 enemy aircraft and six more as part of a group.
In the latter half of 1943, he joined the 54th Guards Fighter Kerch Aviation Regiment, where he served until the end of the war.
Post-War Service
Zabaigalo remained in the VVS after the war. He retired in 1947 with the rank of major. He became a member of the Communist Party in 1946.
Later Life and Legacy
After his retirement, Zabaigalo lived and worked in Simferopol, Crimea. He passed away on December 23, 1958, and was laid to rest at the Warrior Cemetery in Simferopol. Ivan Zabaigalo's heroic achievements during World War II earned him the title of Hero of the Soviet Union in 1943.
