Mitrofan Noga
UkraineBiography of Mitrofan Noga
Mitrofan Petrovich Noga was a fighter pilot, lieutenant general, and commander of an aviation corps. He was born on November 17, 1913. Noga was a Hero of the Soviet Union, awarded on November 17, 1939, for his participation in the Soviet-Japanese armed conflicts in the Far East. He received numerous honors, including the Order of Lenin, four Orders of the Red Banner, Orders of Suvorov 2nd class and Kutuzov 2nd class, two Orders of the Patriotic War 1st class, two Orders of the Red Star, medals, the Order of Sukhbaatar, and the Order "For Military Valor" of the MPR.
Noga graduated from a seven-year school in the village of Taranovka and then worked as a locksmith at the Kharkov Aircraft Factory. In 1932, he joined the Red Army and was sent to the 9th Military Aviation School in Kharkov, which he graduated from in 1933. He served in the Kiev and Trans-Baikal military districts and held positions as a flight leader and squadron commander. Noga became a member of the Communist Party in 1939.
He participated in battles on the Khalkhin Gol River from May 1939. Noga commanded the 70th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the 100th Mixed Aviation Brigade. He completed 109 combat sorties, engaged in 22 aerial battles, personally shot down 9 enemy fighters and 2 bombers as part of a group. In total, his squadron shot down 82 Japanese aircraft during the fighting. Noga was awarded the Order of the Red Banner (August 29, 1939) and the Mongolian Order "For Military Valor" (August 10, 1939).
During his service, Noga was known for his piloting skills and leadership qualities. He was respected by his comrades and admired for his daring maneuvers. His expertise in orienteering and combat tactics made him a valuable asset to his squadron.
On November 17, 1939, Senior Lieutenant Mitrofan Noga was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. He was presented with the Gold Star Medal No. 185. Noga later participated in the liberation of Western Ukraine and Western Belarus, commanding the 41st Fighter Aviation Regiment.
In January-June 1941, Noga attended courses at the Military Academy of Command and Staff of the Air Force. He then fought in the Great Patriotic War and commanded the 182nd Fighter Aviation Regiment.
In August 1941, Noga's aircraft ran out of fuel during a mission, and he had to make a forced landing. However, he successfully evaded enemy aircraft and landed safely. In September 1941, he engaged in combat with eight German Messerschmitts, showcasing his exceptional piloting skills and shooting down one enemy plane.
From 1942 to 1944, Noga commanded various aviation divisions, including the 144th Fighter Aviation Division, the 322nd Fighter Aviation Minsk Division, and the 256th Fighter Aviation Kiev Division. He played a crucial role in the defense of the Soviet Union and achieved significant victories against the enemy.
Noga retired from the military in 1963 with the rank of lieutenant general. He lived in Kiev and worked in the aviation industry. Noga passed away on an unknown date, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and dedication to his country. Over the course of his career, he flew more than 550 combat sorties, shot down 27 enemy aircraft personally, and 3 in a group. He was wounded twice during his service.
