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Nickolay GulaevFighter pilot, twice Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 26.02.1918
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Content:
- Early Life
- Military Career
- Battle of Kursk
- Second Taran
- Destroying 11 Enemy Planes in 4 Minutes
- Second Gold Star
- Post-War Career
- Legacy and Recognition
Early Life
Nikolay Dmitriyevich Gulayev was born on February 26, 1918, in Aksayskaya, a town in the Rostov Oblast. The son of a factory worker, he joined the Communist Party in 1943. After completing his secondary education and attending a vocational school, Gulayev worked as a mechanic in Rostov. While studying at the city's aeroclub, he developed a passion for aviation.
Military Career
Gulayev enlisted in the Red Army in 1938 and graduated from the Stalingrad Military Aviation School in 1940. During the Great Patriotic War, he served in the air defense force protecting a major industrial center behind enemy lines.
Battle of Kursk
Gulayev distinguished himself during the Battle of Kursk in 1943. Flying a Yak-1, he shot down three Junkers Ju-87 bombers and damaged another. In a daring feat, he rammed the last bomber with his own aircraft, managing to land his crippled plane and survive. For these actions, he earned the Order of the Red Banner.
Second Taran
On July 9, 1943, Gulayev executed his second ramming maneuver. Attacking a group of enemy aircraft, he was shot down over Belgorod. He bailed out of his plane and landed safely by parachute. On September 28, 1943, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his 95 combat sorties and 13 personal victories.
Destroying 11 Enemy Planes in 4 Minutes
In 1944, Gulayev assumed command of a squadron. During an engagement over the Prut River, he led six P-39 fighters in an attack on 27 enemy bombers escorted by 8 fighters. In just four minutes, they shot down 11 enemy aircraft, with Gulayev accounting for five himself.
Second Gold Star
On July 1, 1944, Gulayev earned a second Gold Star medal for his 125 combat missions, 42 aerial battles, and 42 personal victories. Despite being severely wounded in action, he returned to duty.
Post-War Career
After the war, Gulayev held command positions in the Soviet Air Defense Forces. He was among the first pilots to master jet aircraft and graduated from the Zhukovsky Air Engineering Academy in 1950 and the General Staff Academy in 1960. He retired as a General-Colonel in 1979 and lived in Moscow.
Legacy and Recognition
Gulayev was awarded two Orders of Lenin, the Order of the October Revolution, four Orders of the Red Banner, two Orders of the Patriotic War, 1st class, two Orders of the Red Star, and numerous medals. He died on September 27, 1985. A bronze бюст of Gulayev stands in Aksay, and a memorial plaque commemorates his memory in Rostov-on-Don.
