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Nikolaj VlasovHero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 11.11.1916
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- World War II
- Hero of the Soviet Union
- Captured and Killed
- Legacy and Honors
- Awards:
Early Life and Military Career
Nikolai Ivanovich Vlasov was born on November 11, 1916, in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) to a working-class family. He completed seven years of incomplete secondary school and attended a trade school before becoming a locksmith at the "Leningradsky Liteyshchik" factory.
In 1934, Vlasov joined the Red Army and enrolled in the 1st Kachin Red Banner Military Aviation School for Pilots. After graduating in 1936, he remained at the school as a flight instructor.
World War II
Vlasov played a significant role in World War II from the first day. As a squadron commander in a fighter aviation regiment, he flew reconnaissance missions, escorted bombers, attacked enemy positions, and participated in repelling air raids.
On August 18, 1941, Vlasov intercepted an enemy reconnaissance aircraft near Bryansk. Despite being under fire, he pursued and shot down the Ju-88, which crashed behind enemy lines.
Hero of the Soviet Union
On November 23, 1942, Vlasov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for completing 220 combat missions, engaging in 27 air battles, and downing 10 enemy aircraft.
Captured and Killed
In 1943, Vlasov was shot down and captured by the Germans. He became a leader of the underground resistance in a concentration camp in Lódz, Poland, and planned several escape attempts. After being recaptured from each attempt, he was subjected to brutal torture and imprisonment.
On January 26, 1945, Vlasov was executed by the Nazis in the crematorium of the Mauthausen concentration camp. However, his efforts to organize an uprising had a significant impact. On February 3, 738 prisoners of the camp revolted and escaped.
Legacy and Honors
After the war, Vlasov's name became synonymous with heroism and sacrifice. He was permanently listed among the personnel of his former military unit and honored with memorials and monuments throughout the country.
Awards:
- 2 Orders of Lenin- Order of the Red Banner
Memorials and Honors:
- Obelisk on Vlasov Street in Lyubertsy, Moscow Oblast
- Streets and schools named after him
- Museum at School No. 516 in St. Petersburg
