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Pavlovich DesnickijFighter pilot, Heroes of the National Revolutionary War in Spain
Date of Birth: 13.06.1911
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Childhood and Early Life
- Military Career in Spain
- Heroism and Recognition
- Career Advancement
- World War II Service
- Later Life and Legacy
Childhood and Early Life
Pyotr Pavlovich Desnitsky was born into a peasant family in Russia. He completed nine grades of secondary school and a vocational school before enlisting in the Red Army in 1933.
Military Career in Spain
Desnitsky served as a radio operator and gunner in the Moscow Military District's separate heavy bomber squadron. In September 1936, he deployed to Spain as part of the 1st International Bomber Squadron, flying on Potez 54 bombers with Volkan Goranov's crew.
On October 30, 1936, Goranov's Potez was heavily damaged and forced to break away from the formation. Desnitsky, despite being severely wounded, remained at his post, repelling four enemy fighters. He managed to shoot down a Heinkel fighter before their Potez made an emergency landing. Amidst enemy fire, the crew reached safety.
Heroism and Recognition
For his courageous actions in Spain, Desnitsky was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union on December 31, 1936. He also received the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Patriotic War First Class, and other medals.
Career Advancement
In 1939, Desnitsky joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. He graduated from the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy in 1941 and from the academy's Command Staff Improvement Course in 1942.
World War II Service
Desnitsky participated in the Great Patriotic War from 1943. However, his health issues led to his discharge from the military in 1948 with the rank of Major.
Later Life and Legacy
After his retirement, Desnitsky resided in the village of Ivnya in the Belgorod region. In 1987, he moved to the city of Zheleznodorozhny, where he spent his remaining years.
