Nikolaj Leonchenko Bomber pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Soviet-Finnish war Date of Birth: 25.08.1912 Country: Ukraine

1. Biography of Nikolai Leonchenko
2. Early Life and Military Service
3. Involvement in the Soviet-Finnish War
4. Involvement in the Great Patriotic War

Biography of Nikolai Leonchenko

Nikolai Leonchenko was a bomber pilot, a Hero of the Soviet Union, and a Hero of the Soviet-Finnish War. He was awarded the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner.

Early Life and Military Service

Leonchenko completed his primary education at a seven-year school. In 1933, he joined the Red Army and served as a soldier in the 1st Cavalry Division. He was then sent to a military aviation school in 1934 to become a pilot. Afterward, he served as a flight instructor at the Naval Aviation School and the Flight School in Yeisk.

In 1938, Leonchenko completed advanced command courses and became a member of the Communist Party.

Involvement in the Soviet-Finnish War

During the Soviet-Finnish War, Leonchenko was the leader of a squadron in the 85th Separate High-Speed Bomber Regiment of the Northwest Air Force. He completed 22 flights, including 12 at night, to bomb enemy railway junctions, ports, airfields, and military-industrial facilities. He was the first in his regiment to use low-altitude bombing techniques. Leonchenko also conducted research on blind aircraft landing. On April 7, 1940, Captain Leonchenko was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and he received the Gold Star Medal No. 309.

Involvement in the Great Patriotic War

From December 1941, Leonchenko participated in the Great Patriotic War. He commanded the 752nd Heavy Bomber Regiment. Unfortunately, on December 20, 1941, Major Leonchenko died while fulfilling a combat mission. He was laid to rest in the city of Kuznetsk in the Penza region.