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Janis Teodors IndansLatvian pilot.
Date of Birth: 28.02.1895
Country:  Latvia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Leadership Roles in Latvian Aviation
- Diplomatic and Administrative Positions
- Commander-in-Chief of the Latvian Air Force
- Arrest and Execution
- Rehabilitation and Legacy
- Awards and Honors
- - Order of Saint Stanislaus, 3rd Class
Early Life and Education
Janis Indans was born in 1895 in Garaseni, Latvia. He completed his secondary education at the Vilnius Chemical and Technical School before enrolling in the Petrograd Technical-Artillery School in 1916.
Military Career
During World War I, Indans served in the Augzeme partisan regiment and later commanded a battalion in the 3rd Jelgava Infantry Regiment. After the war, he joined the Latgale Airfield Pilot School in 1920 and subsequently graduated from the Aviation School and the Higher Command Courses.
Leadership Roles in Latvian Aviation
In 1923, Indans became the director of the Aviation School, a position he held until 1928 and again from 1929 to 1935. He also commanded an aviation regiment in 1935. As one of the authors and editor-in-chief of the magazine "Aizsargs," Indans played a significant role in the development of Latvian aviation.
Diplomatic and Administrative Positions
From 1928 to 1929, Indans served as a military attaché in Kaunas, Lithuania. Upon his return to Latvia, he became the inspector of civil aviation in 1934.
Commander-in-Chief of the Latvian Air Force
In 1937, Indans was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Latvian Air Force, a position he held until 1940.
Arrest and Execution
Following the Soviet annexation of Latvia in 1940, Indans was arrested by the NKVD on February 15, 1941. He was falsely accused of espionage and participation in a counterrevolutionary organization, and was sentenced to death by the USSR Supreme Military Court on July 18, 1941. Indans was executed by firing squad on October 16, 1941, in Kommunarka, Russia.
Rehabilitation and Legacy
Indans was posthumously rehabilitated by the USSR Supreme Military Court in November 1957. His legacy as a prominent figure in Latvian aviation continues to inspire Latvians today.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Indans received numerous awards and honors, including:
- Order of Saint Stanislaus, 3rd Class
- Military Order of Lacplesis- Order of the Three Stars, 4th and 3rd Class
- Order of Viesturs, 2nd Class
- Cross of Merit of the Aizsargi
- Order of the White Rose of Finland, 2nd Class
- Order of the Cross of Vytis, 3rd Class
- Order of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas, 2nd Class
- Order of the Rebirth of Poland, 3rd Class
