 |
Nikolay PribulovSoviet military pilot
Date of Birth: 30.10.1921
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Nikolai Anisimovich Pribylov: A Soviet War Hero
- World War II
- The Hero of the Soviet Union
- Post-War Service and Career
- Legacy
Nikolai Anisimovich Pribylov: A Soviet War Hero
Early Life and EducationNikolai Anisimovich Pribylov was born on October 30, 1921, in Tula, Russia, into a working-class family. He attended School No. 49 and, in 1940, enrolled in the local aeroclub. In September 1940, he became a cadet at the Tambov Aviation Pilot School.
World War II
With the outbreak of World War II, Pribylov's school relocated to Uzbekistan. Upon graduating in spring 1943, he was assigned to a reserve aviation regiment near Kuibyshev. In October 1943, he joined the 672nd Assault Aviation Regiment as a link commander flying the Il-2 attack aircraft.
Pribylov quickly distinguished himself in battle, earning the Order of the Red Star for 10 successful sorties in December 1943 and the Order of Glory III for 20 successful sorties in February 1944. He continued to receive numerous accolades throughout 1944-1945. In 1944, he became a candidate member of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks).
The Hero of the Soviet Union
For his heroic exploits in aerial combat over Hungary in December 1944, Pribylov was nominated for the highest state award. On June 29, 1945, he was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal. He ended the war by flying missions over Vienna.
Post-War Service and Career
In the years following the war, Pribylov remained in the Air Force, serving in the Far East. He retired in 1948 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He became a member of the Communist Party the same year.
Pribylov went on to work as a pilot for Aeroflot, initially in Kazakhstan and later in Voronezh. He flew passenger and cargo planes, mastering over ten different types of aircraft. Among his notable assignments was transporting rocket parts to the Baikonur Cosmodrome. In 1982, he transitioned to a ground service role as a dispatcher at Voronezh Airport.
Legacy
Pribylov retired from flying in 1992 and settled in Voronezh. He became an honorary citizen of the Voronezh Region on June 16, 2010, and passed away on December 19, 2012, at the age of 92. An Antonov An-24 aircraft operated by the Poljot airline has been named "Nikolai Pribylov" in his honor.
A memorial plaque and monument commemorate Pribylov at School No. 49 in Tula, where he began his aviation journey. His life and achievements serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Soviet people during World War II.
