Nikolay Surnev Fighter pilot Date of Birth: 04.03.1923 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Nikolay Surnev

Nikolay Grigorievich Surnev was a Soviet fighter pilot and a Hero of the Soviet Union. He was born on March 4, 1923, in the village of Bolshoe Gorodishche, Shebekinsky District, in the Belgorod region. He came from a peasant family.

Surnev completed 7 years of primary school and then attended a 2-year medical school and an aeroclub. In 1940, he was drafted into the Red Army. In 1942, he graduated from the Chuguev Military Aviation School for Pilots. From August 1943, he served in the active army. By March 1945, he became the deputy commander of the 866th Fighter Aviation Regiment. He conducted 177 combat sorties, engaged in 53 aerial battles, and personally shot down 18 enemy aircraft. In total, he completed 261 combat sorties and shot down 23 enemy aircraft.

On August 18, 1945, Surnev was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery during the war. He continued his service in the Soviet Air Force after the war and received numerous awards, including the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner (three times), the Order of Alexander Nevsky, and the Order of the Patriotic War (1st and 2nd class), as well as several medals.

Unfortunately, on March 5, 1952, Lieutenant Colonel N.G. Surnev died in an aviation accident during a training flight. In his honor, a bust was installed in the village of Bolshoe Gorodishche, and a street was named after him.

Surnev's military career was marked by exceptional skill and courage. He quickly developed the necessary qualities of a fighter pilot, including precise navigation, quick assessment of the aerial situation, accurate shooting, and excellent piloting skills. He proved himself as a mature fighter pilot from the early days of the war.

During the war, Surnev fought on the Belgorod front, as well as in Izium, Zaporizhia, Nikopol, Odessa, Nikolaev, Moldova, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Hungary, and Austria. He became one of the best pilots in the 866th Fighter Aviation Regiment by the end of 1944. He particularly distinguished himself in the skies of Hungary from January to March 1945.

One memorable incident occurred when Surnev's plane was heavily damaged during combat. The aircraft required extensive repairs, but the mechanics and technicians worked tirelessly to restore it to flying condition. With their efforts, the plane was quickly repaired, allowing Surnev to return to the skies and claim another victory.

Surnev often led the cover group during combat missions, demonstrating his leadership skills and tactical expertise. In one battle near Shabrograd, Hungary, on March 9, 1945, he successfully led his group in attacking and shooting down enemy aircraft. His group destroyed five enemy planes in total.

By the end of the war, Surnev had completed 261 successful combat sorties on Yak-1, Yak-9, and Yak-3 aircraft. He participated in 64 aerial battles and personally shot down 23 enemy planes.

After the war, Nikolay Grigorievich Surnev continued to serve in the Soviet Air Force. He transitioned to flying jet aircraft. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he died in a training flight accident on March 5, 1952.