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Leonid CostinAttack aircraft pilot, captain, flew the Il-2
Date of Birth: 14.01.1924
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Content:
- Early Life and Military Service
- Heroic Record as a Ground Attack Pilot
- Hero of the Soviet Union
- Post-War Career
- Later Life and Legacy
- Combat Record
Early Life and Military Service
Leonid Nikolaevich Kostin was born in 1924 in the village of Uderevo. After graduating from high school, he joined the Red Army in 1940 and became a member of the Communist Party in 1944. Kostin graduated from the Voroshilovgrad Military Aviation School of Pilots in 1943.
Heroic Record as a Ground Attack Pilot
From January 1944, Kostin served as Deputy Squadron Commander in the 118th Guards Ground Attack Aviation Regiment on the Leningrad Front. Flying an Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik, he conducted 105 combat missions, attacking enemy concentrations of manpower and equipment.
Hero of the Soviet Union
For his exceptional bravery and heroism in fulfilling his combat missions, Kostin was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on August 18, 1945. He was presented with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star Medal (No. 8567).
Post-War Career
After the war, Kostin continued his service in the Soviet Air Forces. He graduated from the Military Institute of Physical Culture and Sport in 1952. In 1953, he retired from the military with the rank of Captain.
Later Life and Legacy
Kostin spent his later years living and working in various cities, including Donetsk, Vladivostok, and Arkhangelsk. He passed away on January 14, 1971, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary courage and sacrifice during World War II.
Combat Record
During his 105 combat missions, Kostin destroyed:- 43 automobiles
- 32 wagons
- 7 mortars
- 3 tractors
- 9 enemy warehouses
Awards and Recognition
- Order of Lenin
- Two Orders of the Red Banner
- Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class
- Order of the Red Star
- Medals
