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Mihail BurmistrovPilot - bomber, Heroes of the Soviet-Japanese armed conflicts in the Far East
Date of Birth: 11.09.1901
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Service in the Red Army Cavalry
- Transfer to the Air Force
- Commander of the 150th Mixed Bomber Regiment
- Battle of Khalkhin Gol
- Hero of the Soviet Union
Early Life and Military Career
Michael Fyodorovich Burmistrov was born into a family of workers. In 1909, he moved with his parents to Western Siberia. He worked at a forge in the village of Lebyazhye, Altai Krai.
In 1919, Burmistrov joined the Red Army and served in a partisan detachment until 1920. He rose through the ranks, becoming an assistant detachment commander and a platoon commander.
Service in the Red Army Cavalry
From 1920 to 1928, Burmistrov served in the Red Army cavalry. He participated in battles against the bands of Bakich and Kaygorodov. He was wounded twice in the Fergana Valley and Eastern Bukhara while fighting against the Basmachi.
Transfer to the Air Force
In 1928, Burmistrov transferred to the Red Air Force (VVS). He served as a trainee in the 18th Aviation Squadron and graduated from the 3rd Military School of Pilots and Flight Observers in Orenburg in 1930.
Commander of the 150th Mixed Bomber Regiment
In 1938, Major Burmistrov was appointed commander of the 150th Mixed Bomber Regiment (150-y Sbap). The regiment was stationed in Mongolia, near Bain-Tumen. It comprised 17 R-5Sh attack aircraft and 29 SB bombers.
Battle of Khalkhin Gol
Burmistrov led the 150-y Sbap during the Battle of Khalkhin Gol against Japan. On June 24, 1939, the regiment conducted its first bombing mission, targeting Japanese forces on the eastern bank of the Khalkhin Gol River.
The regiment faced heavy losses, particularly in July 1939. Seven SBs were shot down on July 4, with ten crew members killed. On August 25, 1939, Major Burmistrov was killed when his SB was allegedly shot down by Japanese anti-aircraft fire.
Hero of the Soviet Union
On November 17, 1939, Major Michael Fyodorovich Burmistrov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his "bravery and heroism in battles with the Japanese." He had also been awarded the Order of the Red Banner.
Burmistrov's death became a symbol of the sacrifices made by Soviet pilots during the Battle of Khalkhin Gol. His remains were buried in Moscow, and a monument was erected in his honor in the village of Lebyazhye.
