Leonid Goreglyad Fighter pilot Date of Birth: 13.04.1916 Country: Turkmenistan

Biography of Leonid Goryeglyad

Leonid Ivanovich Goryeglyad was born on April 13, 1916, in the city of Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan, to a family of a railway worker. He completed the vocational school and aero club in Voronezh. After that, he worked as an electrician. In 1934, he joined the Red Army and graduated from the Orenburg Military Aviation School. Before the war, he lived in Moscow.

During the Soviet-Finnish war in 1939-1940, Goryeglyad took part in the fighting. After completing the N.E. Zhukovsky Military Air Engineering Academy in June 1941, he was sent to a new place of service. He participated in the Great Patriotic War from October 1941. He fought on the Southern, Voronezh, Southwest, 1st and 2nd Ukrainian fronts.

On July 13, 1944, the offensive operation of the Soviet troops on the Lvov-Sandomierz bridgehead began. In the first days of the battles, Commander Leonid Ivanovich Goryeglyad, the head of the 129th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, shot down 4 enemy aircraft. By May 1945, as the commander of the 22nd Guards Fighter Aviation Division (6th Guards Fighter Aviation Corps, 2nd Air Army, 1st Ukrainian Front), Goryeglyad made 132 combat sorties, conducted 53 air battles, personally shot down 15 enemy aircraft, and 6 more as part of a group. In total, he made 146 successful combat sorties.

After the war, Goryeglyad continued his service in various command positions. On February 23, 1948, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his courage and military valor shown during the Great Patriotic War. In 1950, he graduated from the General Staff Military Academy and from 1961 served in the General Inspection of the Air Force. Since 1976, he held the rank of Major General in reserve. He lived in Moscow. He was awarded the Orders of Lenin, Red Banner (five times), Suvorov 2nd degree (twice), Patriotic War 1st degree, Red Star (three times), "For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR" 3rd degree, and medals. He passed away on July 17, 1986.

Leonid Goryeglyad's fate was shaped by his dedication and love for aviation. Despite starting his career as an electrician, he felt a calling for something new and wanted to apply his skills, energy, and ingenuity in a different field. Inspired by his father's stories about interesting people working at the depot, Goryeglyad decided to work in the locomotive repair depot. He quickly adapted to his new profession and actively participated in public work, joining the Komsomol.

One day, a directive arrived at the Komsomol committee requesting the selection of the best Komsomol members for training in the aeroclub. Goryeglyad hesitated at first but eventually decided to apply. Balancing work and studies at the aeroclub was challenging, but he quickly adjusted. His first flight in the sky, witnessing the beauty of nature from above, solidified his determination to pursue a career in aviation.

After completing the aeroclub, Goryeglyad was selected to attend the military aviation school. His father wished him success and reminded him that it's not about the job but how one works. Goryeglyad excelled in his studies and graduated as a military pilot in December 1934. He was then appointed as an instructor pilot at the Borisoglebsk Military Aviation School.

Initially, Goryeglyad found it challenging to adapt to his new responsibilities as an instructor, but he quickly learned from experienced instructors and became a respected and skilled pilot. His dedication and talent led to his appointment as a commander of the 205th Fighter Aviation Division in May 1942. Under his leadership, the division achieved numerous victories against the enemy.

Throughout the war, Goryeglyad demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill in aerial combat. He was wounded in a battle but refused to leave his unit and returned to combat after a short recovery period. His leadership and personal exploits were recognized with multiple awards and promotions.

After the war, Goryeglyad continued his service in the Air Force and held various command positions. He was highly regarded for his expertise and leadership skills. In 1948, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and in 1950, he graduated from the General Staff Military Academy.

Leonid Goryeglyad's military career was marked by his dedication, courage, and numerous achievements. He played a significant role in defending his country during World War II and received numerous awards for his heroism. He passed away in 1986, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and devotion to his country.