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Mihail PogorelovSquadron Leader, 4th Fighter Aviation Regiment
Date of Birth: 08.11.1921
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Biography of Mikhail Pogorelov
- Heroic Actions and Awards
- Post-War Life
- Personal Stories and Contributions
Biography of Mikhail Pogorelov
Early Life and Military CareerMikhail Savelyevich Pogorelov was born on November 8, 1921, in the village of Kurganka, in what is now the Shirokovsky District of the Dnepropetrovsk Oblast. He grew up in a peasant family and received an incomplete secondary education. Pogorelov worked as an accountant at a factory in the city of Krivoy Rog before joining the Red Army in 1940.
In 1941, Pogorelov graduated from the Kachin Military Aviation Pilot School and immediately participated in the Great Patriotic War on the Eastern Front. By January 1945, he had become the commander of the 4th Fighter Aviation Regiment's squadron (185th Fighter Aviation Division, 14th Fighter Aviation Corps, 15th Air Army, 2nd Baltic Front). Pogorelov completed 218 combat missions, personally shooting down 18 enemy aircraft (including one by ramming) and an additional 5 as part of a group. In total, he downed 29 enemy planes.
Heroic Actions and Awards
On August 18, 1945, for his courage and military valor displayed in battles against the enemy, Pogorelov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. He continued his service in the Soviet Air Force after the war and was honored with the Orders of Lenin, Red Banner (twice), Alexander Nevsky, First Class of the Patriotic War, and the Red Star (three times), as well as various medals.
Post-War Life
After retiring from military service in 1975 with the rank of Colonel, Pogorelov settled in the city of Rostov-on-Don. He was named an honorary citizen of the city. Mikhail Savelyevich Pogorelov passed away on March 13, 1981.
Personal Stories and Contributions
During the Great Patriotic War, Mikhail Pogorelov fought against the enemy using a plane that was gifted to him by the workers of the Saratov region. He cherished a memorable document that was given to him, which served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the people to support the front. The document stated that the "Red Chemist" plane, purchased with the funds of workers and employees, was given to Pogorelov as a gift to help defeat the German-Fascist army.
Pogorelov's victories in combat were numerous, and he often reported his achievements to the owners of the gifted plane. His actions during the war were not limited to aerial combat but also included capturing an enemy pilot who had landed his damaged plane on a frozen lake. Pogorelov, with the help of local boys, apprehended the German pilot and turned him over to headquarters, where he provided valuable information.
Mikhail Savelyevich Pogorelov ended the war with a total of 29 downed enemy aircraft, 24 of which were personal victories. He continued to serve in the Soviet Air Force until his retirement, living in Rostov-on-Don until his death in 1981.
