Petr Brinko Lieutenant, Hero of the Soviet Union Date of Birth: 17.09.1915 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Winter War and Great Patriotic War
3. The Hero of Leningrad
4. The Tarantul Incident
5. Heroism and Legacy

Early Life and Military Career

Pyotr Antonovich Brinkó was born on September 17, 1915, in the village of Mandyrkino, Ukraine. He joined the Navy in 1935 and graduated from the Yeysk School of Naval Pilots in 1937. His military career began during the Battle of Lake Khasan in 1938 and the Battle of Khalkhin-Gol in 1939.

Winter War and Great Patriotic War

In 1939, Brinkó participated in the Winter War, where he flew reconnaissance and bombing missions. He was awarded the Order of the Red Banner for his bravery. At the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War in June 1941, Brinkó was assigned to the 13th Fighter Aviation Regiment.

The Hero of Leningrad

Brinkó's combat record began on July 3, 1941, when he shot down an enemy fighter over his aerodrome. He gained fame on July 8 when he downed a Ju-86 bomber, which was later displayed on the central square of the Hanko Peninsula. On July 23, he destroyed two floatplanes and shot down two enemy fighters in a single day.

The Tarantul Incident

Brinkó's most famous exploit occurred on September 5, 1941. While flying an I-16 fighter, he encountered 18 Me-110s. After running out of ammunition, Brinkó decided to ram an incoming enemy aircraft. He successfully struck the Messerschmitt's tail with his propeller and forced it to crash. This was Brinkó's twelfth aerial victory.

Heroism and Legacy

For his exceptional bravery, Brinkó was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on July 17, 1941. He continued to fight until September 14, when he was fatally wounded during an aerial attack. Brinkó is remembered as one of the most valiant defenders of Leningrad and the Soviet Union. He is honored with monuments, streets, and memorials across Russia and Ukraine.