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Leonid RyzhiySquadron Commander of the 347th Fighter Aviation Regiment
Date of Birth: 23.09.1921
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Training
- Military Career
- World War II Exploits
- Liberation of Eastern Europe
- Final Victories
- Post-War Service and Legacy
Early Life and Training
Leonid Kirillovich Ryzhy was born in Kiev, Ukraine on September 23, 1921, to a working-class family. He graduated from high school and attended the Nikopol Agroforestry Technical College for two years. His passion for aviation led him to join the local flying club.
Military Career
In 1939, Ryzhy joined the Red Army. A year later, he graduated from the Kachin Military Aviation School for Pilots. In October 1941, he was deployed to the front lines.
World War II Exploits
Initially assigned to the 743rd Fighter Aviation Regiment, Ryzhy participated in combat operations from October 1941 onwards. During a dogfight over the Taman Peninsula on May 17, 1942, he was wounded but managed to crash-land his damaged fighter on a narrow sandbank along the shore. By this time, he had already claimed three enemy aircraft: two Me-109s and a Ju88.
He joined the 347th Fighter Aviation Regiment and flew combat missions throughout the war. By March 1945, he had become the squadron commander of the regiment and had completed 250 sorties, engaging in 89 aerial battles and shooting down 17 enemy aircraft.
Liberation of Eastern Europe
Ryzhy played a pivotal role in the liberation of Eastern Europe. He participated in the Battle of Kursk, the Bagration Operation, and the liberation of Gomel and Bobruisk.
On September 20, 1943, his flight of four Yak-9s intercepted a group of Ju-88 bombers near Kozelets, Ukraine. Ryzhy shot down one bomber and covered his wingman, who destroyed another. The remaining enemy aircraft fled.
During the Vistula-Oder Offensive in 1945, Ryzhy led a group of 12 Yak-9s against a formation of 22 enemy FW-190s near the Magnuszew bridgehead. His decisive actions disrupted the enemy's attack formation, forcing them to drop their bombs prematurely and retreat.
Final Victories
Ryzhy flew his last combat sortie on April 28, 1945, over Berlin. He achieved his 21st aerial victory by downing an enemy aircraft. In total, he claimed 21 aerial victories during the war, including a He-111, three Ju-88s, several Ju-87s, Me-109s, and FW-190s.
Post-War Service and Legacy
After the war, Ryzhy continued his service in the Air Force. In 1946, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery and skill in combat. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1951 and the Economic Faculty of Moscow State University in 1963. He retired from the military in 1973 and taught at the Military Academy of Chemical Defense.
Leonid Kirillovich Ryzhy was a highly decorated war hero and a distinguished aviator. He received numerous awards, including the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner (four times), the Order of Alexander Nevsky, the Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class (twice), the Order of the Red Star (twice), and various medals. He passed away in Moscow.
