Nikolaj Leskonozhenko Fighter pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Great Patriotic War Date of Birth: 06.05.1919 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Nikolai Leskonozhenko

Nikolai Leskonozhenko was a Soviet fighter pilot, a Hero of the Soviet Union, and a Hero of the Great Patriotic War. He was born into a peasant family and was of Ukrainian descent. Leskonozhenko lived in the city of Melitopol from 1932. He completed his education by finishing 7 grades of school and attending the F.E. Dzerzhinsky Vocational School in Melitopol.

In August 1936, Leskonozhenko started working as a fitter at the Melitopol Steam Locomotive Depot and also served as a worker-correspondent for the regional newspaper. In November 1937, he graduated from the Melitopol Aeroclub. Leskonozhenko joined the Red Army Air Force in 1938 and graduated from the Kachinsk Red Banner Military Aviation School named after comrade Myasnikov in September 1939.

During his flight training, Leskonozhenko was described as physically well-developed, strong-willed, brave, and determined. He showed great interest in his studies, flew well, and demonstrated moral stability. He had no doubts about his loyalty to the Motherland and the Party. The assessment concluded that he was suitable for service in the fighter aviation.

In the autumn of 1939, Leskonozhenko was promoted to the rank of Junior Lieutenant and served in the Leningrad Military District. He participated in the Soviet-Finnish War. Leskonozhenko joined the Great Patriotic War in June 1941 and became a pilot in the 513th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the 52nd Separate Army Air Force. He fought in the area of Malaya Vishera, Chudovo, and Novgorod. Leskonozhenko carried out two combat sorties to strike enemy troops.

On November 2, 1941, Lieutenant Leskonozhenko, flying a LaGG-3 aircraft, rammed a Ju.88 bomber, and then, already wounded, rammed a Bf.109 fighter. He died from his injuries.

During this mission, he led a flight of LaGG-3 aircraft with pilots Zuev and Klochko. They were tasked with attacking the enemy's crossing over the Volkhov River and providing cover for troops being transported by railway in the Malaya Vishera area. They encountered six Ju.88 bombers escorted by six Bf.109 fighters near the village of Selishi.

Despite the unequal forces, Leskonozhenko and Zuev engaged the bombers in a lightning-fast attack. However, the attack was unsuccessful, as the enemy fighters were experienced and the odds were stacked against them. Klochko engaged three Messerschmitt fighters, while the remaining enemy aircraft targeted Zuev and Leskonozhenko. A fierce aerial battle ensued, with the fighters trying to outmaneuver each other. The battle shifted from horizontal to vertical maneuvers. The enemy managed to separate Zuev and Leskonozhenko from the bombers, leaving them vulnerable.

Unexpectedly, one of the LaGG-3 aircraft made a sharp turn and found itself behind a Ju.88 bomber. General-Lieutenant N.K. Klykov, the commander of the 52nd Army, who was observing the air battle from his command post, remarked on the young pilot's skill and predicted that he would succeed. However, the Soviet pilot had exhausted his ammunition and was unable to prevent the enemy from dropping their bombs.

Undeterred, Leskonozhenko made a second ramming attack, using his aircraft to strike the nearest attacking Messerschmitt. The enemy fighter went into a dive and crashed into the ground.

Leskonozhenko's LaGG-3 aircraft, heavily damaged from the ramming, managed to land not far from the command post. The general received a report that Lieutenant Leskonozhenko had landed but was severely wounded in the head and shoulder. He was immediately sent to a hospital at the Krasnyanka railway station. Unfortunately, he passed away on the same day.

Nikolai Leskonozhenko was buried in the village of Kamensk, Malovishersky District, Novgorod Oblast. A monument was erected on his grave. On December 27, 1941, Leskonozhenko was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

In accordance with the order of the Minister of Defense of the USSR dated December 20, 1958, Lieutenant Leskonozhenko was permanently listed in the 1st Squadron of the military unit in which he served.

His name is commemorated by streets in Melitopol and Malaya Vishera, as well as an eight-year school in the village of Gryady.