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Mikhail JivolupCommander of the 126th Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment, Guards Major General, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 22.07.1909
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Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Aviation Journey
- Soviet-Finnish War
- World War II
- Commanding the 126th Guards Regiment
- Victory Parade
- Post-War Service and Legacy
- Personal Life
Early Life and Military Career
Born on July 22, 1909, in Ukraine, Mikhail Andreevich Zhivolupov joined the border troops of the NKVD in 1929. As a promising young soldier, he enrolled in the Minsk Military School and graduated in 1933.
Aviation Journey
Aspiring to become an aviator, Zhivolupov joined the Borisoglebsk Military Aviation School and graduated in 1935. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a pilot in an aviation unit within the Leningrad Military District.
Soviet-Finnish War
Zhivolupov's combat debut came during the Soviet-Finnish War (1939-1940), where he flew 65 successful bombing missions.
World War II
With the outbreak of World War II, Zhivolupov led his squadron in numerous battles against the Nazi invaders. In 1943, he assumed command of the 224th Bomber Aviation Regiment.
Commanding the 126th Guards Regiment
By September 1943, Zhivolupov had become the commander of the 126th Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment. He executed 107 combat missions, targeting enemy infrastructure, airfields, and troop concentrations, inflicting significant losses on the enemy.
Victory Parade
Zhivolupov was selected to lead a formation of nine Pe-2 bombers in the historic Victory Parade on June 24, 1945. However, due to inclement weather, the aerial display was canceled.
Post-War Service and Legacy
After the war, Zhivolupov commanded an aviation regiment and division. He also graduated from advanced military courses and the General Staff Academy. Zhivolupov passed away on June 11, 1991.
Personal Life
Zhivolupov's son, Anatoly, was arrested in 1958 for his involvement in a criminal gang. The gang leaders were executed, while Anatoly was imprisoned.
