Mihail Voronkov Bomber pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Soviet-Finnish War Date of Birth: 17.01.1910 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Career
2. Military Career
3. Combat Missions
4. Distinguished Actions
5. Liberation of Poland and Berlin
6. Post-War and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Mikhail Mikhailovich Voronkov was born into a family of coal miners in the town where his ancestors had lived for centuries. He joined the Communist Party in 1929 and graduated from a workers' faculty and two years at Donetsk Pedagogical Institute. In 1931, he enlisted in the Red Army.

Military Career

In 1934, Voronkov graduated from the Military Aviation School and served in the bomber aviation. He participated in the Soviet-Finnish War, leading a squadron of the 50th High-Speed Bomber Aviation Regiment. He completed 56 combat sorties.

On March 21, 1940, Voronkov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery in action. In June 1941, he joined the Great Patriotic War. Lieutenant General of Aviation Karvatsky describes how Voronkov led daring night missions in Estonia, targeting enemy rear areas with DB-3 bombers.

Combat Missions

In November 1942, Voronkov took command of the 128th Bomber Aviation Regiment. In the Battle of Kursk, his pilots invented a new tactic called the "carousel," where they created a vertical circle of bombers, unleashing a devastating barrage on enemy targets.

Distinguished Actions

Voronkov led by example, including a notable mission where he bombed the heavily defended railway junction at Gomel. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire, his precision bombing destroyed 62 wagons, 3 locomotives, 20 platforms, 40 motor vehicles, and damaged an armored train.

In another mission, Voronkov's plane was damaged by enemy fire as he attacked a bridge. Despite the severe pain from his injuries, he continued his combat mission and successfully destroyed the target.

Liberation of Poland and Berlin

Voronkov's regiment played a significant role in the liberation of Poland, bombing enemy forces and infrastructure. Their actions at Ilowudz and Plock contributed to the destruction of over 500 enemy vehicles and the halting of rail traffic.

In the Battle of Berlin, Voronkov's pilots struck the last remaining Nazi airfield in the Tiergarten park, preventing enemy aircraft from operating. Their bombing raids on this target helped ensure the fall of the German capital.

Post-War and Legacy

After the war, Colonel Voronkov continued his service in the Air Force until his retirement in 1968. He was buried in Moscow at the Troekurovskoye Cemetery. Voronkov's courage and military skill earned him numerous awards and honors, including three Orders of the Red Banner, two Orders of the Patriotic War 1st degree, and the Order of the Red Star.