 |
Mihail PonomarevFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 15.12.1920
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- World War II
- Polish Air Force and Return to the Soviet Air Force
- Korean War and Hero of the Soviet Union
- Later Life and Retirement
Early Life and Military Career
Born on December 15, 1920, in Alekseevka, Mikhail Sergeevich Ponomarev grew up in a peasant family. After completing nine grades of secondary education, he worked in a mine in Karaganda. In 1940, he joined the Red Army and graduated from military aviation school in 1942.
World War II
Ponomarev entered the Great Patriotic War in March 1943 as part of the 832nd Fighter Aviation Regiment. Flying a Yak fighter, he shot down two enemy aircraft. In October 1944, his regiment joined the Polish Air Force on the Eastern Front and became the 11th Fighter Aviation Regiment. His final victory of World War II came on May 2, 1945, when he downed a Fi-156 light liaison aircraft near Berlin.
Polish Air Force and Return to the Soviet Air Force
Ponomarev remained in the Polish Air Force until July 1947, when he returned to the Soviet Air Force. His distinguished service earned him the orders of Lenin, the Red Banner (twice), and the Patriotic War 1st degree, as well as medals and a foreign order.
Korean War and Hero of the Soviet Union
In the spring of 1951, Captain Ponomarev was deployed to Korea. He flew 140 combat sorties, personally shooting down 14 enemy aircraft. Notably, on September 11, 1951, he destroyed four enemy aircraft, including three Meteors, in a single mission. For his selfless devotion to duty, Ponomarev was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on November 13, 1951.
Later Life and Retirement
Upon his return from Korea, Ponomarev continued his service in the Soviet Air Force. He retired in 1968 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and settled in Kherson, where he resided until his passing. His legacy lives on through his numerous accolades, which serve as a testament to his bravery and exceptional skills as a fighter pilot.
