Pavel Chupikov Fighter pilot Date of Birth: 21.12.1913 Country: Uzbekistan

1. Biography of Pavel Chupikov
2. The Early Years and Military Career
3. Post-War Years and Legacy
4. Family and Personal Life

Biography of Pavel Chupikov

Pavel Fedorovich Chupikov was born on December 21, 1913, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in a working-class family. He completed 7 grades of secondary school and worked at the Tashkent Steam Locomotive Repair Plant. In 1931, he joined the Red Army and graduated from the Volsk Military School of Aviation Technicians in 1932. In 1940, he completed the Kachinsky Military Aviation School for Pilots.

During his military career, Chupikov participated in battles against Japanese invaders near Lake Khasan in 1938 and served on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War from June 1941. He fought as a part of the 170th IAP, 40th IAP (41st GvIAP), and 19th IAP (176th GvIAP). By June 1944, he became the commander of the 19th Fighter Aviation Regiment (16th Air Army, 1st Belorussian Front), where he completed 388 combat missions and shot down 11 enemy aircraft in personal combat and 8 in group combat. On August 19, 1945, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his courage and military valor displayed in battles against the enemy.

After the war, Chupikov continued his service in the Air Force. In 1954, he graduated from the General Staff Academy and became the General Inspector of the Main Inspection of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR. He retired as a General-Colonel of Aviation in 1976 and lived in Moscow. Chupikov was awarded the Orders of Lenin (four times), October Revolution, Red Banner (five times), Suvorov 3rd Class, Patriotic War 1st Class (twice), and Red Star (four times), as well as numerous medals. He passed away on June 23, 1987.

The Early Years and Military Career

In 1931, at the age of 18, Pavel Chupikov voluntarily joined the Red Army. Within a year, he was enrolled in a military technical school and went from being a technician to an engineer of an aviation squadron. In 1938, he participated in battles near Lake Khasan and was awarded the Order of the Red Star. His dream of becoming a pilot came true in 1940 after completing the Kachinsky School for Pilots. From the beginning of the war until the day of victory, Chupikov served on the front lines. In March 1944, he was appointed as the commander of the renowned 19th IAP, which was composed of top-class aces. It was in August 1944 that Chupikov received the rank of Colonel and the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. The 19th IAP, under his command, was transformed into the 176th Guards Regiment and was awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky. Throughout the war, the pilots of the regiment completed around 9,000 combat sorties, engaged in 750 aerial battles, and destroyed 445 enemy aircraft. Chupikov personally completed over 400 combat missions and shot down 14 enemy aircraft in personal combat and 8 in group combat.

Post-War Years and Legacy

After the war, Chupikov commanded aviation units, graduated from the General Staff Academy, commanded an aviation district, and led combat training in the Air Force. He was awarded the Gold Star, three Orders of Lenin, five Orders of the Red Banner, and numerous medals for his heroic deeds and impeccable service. For a long time, General-Colonel Pavel Fedorovich Chupikov continued his service in the Main Inspection of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR.

Family and Personal Life

The entire Chupikov family eagerly awaited the memorable day when Pavel's grandson, Sergei, successfully passed his state exams and defended his diploma as an aviation engineer. Pavel Fedorovich and his son, Vyacheslav Pavlovich, traveled from Moscow to Volgograd to celebrate this achievement. The joy was overwhelming. Sergei's dream had come true, and he had become a lieutenant at the young age of 18. Pavel Fedorovich had always dreamed of Sergei attending his alma mater, the renowned "Kacha" aviation school. The wings of "Kacha" were something to be proud of, as graduates included three-time Hero of the Soviet Union A.I. Pokryshkin and cosmonauts Vladimir Shatalov and Valery Bykovsky. Pavel Fedorovich presented Sergei with his diploma, symbolically passing on the keys to the sky and his frontline experience.

Sergei was familiar with his grandfather's accomplishments through books and stories. However, the details were limited. Pavel was not one to talk about himself. It was only at "Kacha" that Sergei learned of Pavel's role as Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub's deputy, guiding the legendary pilot in the early stages of flying serial production jet fighters.

Throughout their conversations, Sergei realized the significance of Pavel's contributions to the overall victory. The statistics of the "Marshal's Aviation Regiment" stood out - 9,000 combat sorties, 750 aerial battles, and 455 enemy aircraft destroyed. The regiment was transformed into a Guards regiment, awarded three battle orders, and given the honorary name of Proskurovskiy. Sergei also heard stories from his father about the post-war years spent near the airfield, where Pavel led a formation of five jet fighters for an air parade. These conversations highlighted the central theme that defending the homeland was a man's greatest duty.

Sergei's journey mirrored his father's and grandfather's footsteps. He attended the same alma mater and followed their passion for aviation. Pavel's dream of having his grandson at "Kacha" had come true. Sergei's time at the Suvorov Military School had laid the foundation for his independence and maturity, and his commitment to education allowed him to follow in his grandfather's footsteps. After two years at the Suvorov Military School, Sergei had visibly grown and become physically stronger. His diligence in his studies enabled him to attend "Kacha" and carry on the family legacy.

Sergei's phone call announcing his acceptance into the Communist Party and passing the exams for the 3rd class further solidified the family's pride. The legacy of Pavel Fedorovich Chupikov lived on through his grandson, who would continue to carry the torch for aviation and serve his country.