Michael Borisov Junior Lieutenant, Hero of the Soviet Union Date of Birth: 11.11.1917 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Military Service
2. Aviation Training and Dismissal
3. Return to Aviation and Fronts of World War II
4. Combat Exploits over Sevastopol
5. Heroic Sacrifice
6. Legacy and Recognition

Early Life and Military Service

Mikhail Alekseyevich Borisov was born on November 11, 1917, in the village of Toptykovo, Lipetsk Oblast, Russia. Growing up in a peasant family, he joined the Red Army in 1938.

Aviation Training and Dismissal

In 1939, Borisov graduated from the 2nd Borisoglebsk Military Aviation School named after V.P. Chkalov. However, while patrolling in a squadron of I-16s, he intercepted a German Ju-88 reconnaissance plane and forced it to land on Soviet territory, leading to his dismissal from the army.

Return to Aviation and Fronts of World War II

Despite his dismissal, Borisov's passion for aviation remained strong. He worked as a flight instructor at the Frunze Aeroclub in Moscow before returning to active duty in the Soviet Navy Air Force in 1941.

Combat Exploits over Sevastopol

In July 1942, he became a squadron commander in the 62nd Fighter Aviation Regiment. During a combat patrol over the Main Naval Base in Sevastopol, he shot down a Ju-88 reconnaissance plane on July 7, opening his combat account.

Heroic Sacrifice

On August 10, 1942, in an aerial battle near Novorossiysk, Borisov engaged a group of five He-111 bombers. Despite heavy enemy fire, he successfully shot down the lead aircraft. In a desperate attempt to prevent the remaining bombers from reaching the city, Borisov executed a daring maneuver.

Approaching one of the He-111s from below, he rammed its tail and sent both planes tumbling through the air. With superhuman effort, he redirected his burning aircraft towards another He-111 below, hitting it with enough force to destroy both. Borisov perished in the collision.

Legacy and Recognition

For his extraordinary heroism, Mikhail Alekseyevich Borisov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union in 1965. His name is forever inscribed in the annals of the Soviet naval aviation.