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Petr BochinPilot, Hero of the Soviet Union
Date of Birth: 12.05.1920
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Content:
Early Life and Career
Born on May 12, 1920, in the village of Kresty in the present-day Tver Oblast, Russia, Pyotr Antonovich Bochin grew up in a family of farmers. After completing his education, he worked as a carpenter while pursuing aviation in a local aeroclub. In 1939, Bochin joined the Red Army and graduated from the Voroshilovgrad Military Aviation Pilot School.
World War II Heroism
With the outbreak of World War II, Bochin was assigned to the 10th Guards Bombardment Aviation Regiment as a link commander. By September 1943, he had completed 365 combat sorties, destroying numerous enemy tanks, warehouses, bridges, and railway lines. His bravery and dedication during the liberation of Melitopol earned him the Hero of the Soviet Union title on November 1, 1943.
Post-War Service and Legacy
After participating in the Soviet-Japanese War of 1945, Bochin continued his service in the Soviet Air Force. He completed the Higher Officer Flight-Tactical Courses in 1947 and retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1963. Bochin passed away on July 22, 1971, and was buried in Moscow's Lyublinskoe Cemetery.
His heroic legacy lives on through the memorial in Panevezys, Lithuania, and the commemorative plaque on the residential building at 67 Yunykh Leninets Street in Moscow. Bochin's name remains a shining example of courage and sacrifice during one of history's most devastating conflicts.
