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Petr SgibnevFighter pilot
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Pyotr Georgievich Sgibnev: A Soviet Ace
- World War II:
- Prominent Fighter:
- Hero of the Soviet Union:
- Commander of the 2nd Guards Aviation Regiment:
- Combat Tactics and Achievements:
- Tragic Demise:
- Legacy:
Pyotr Georgievich Sgibnev: A Soviet Ace
Early Life and Career:Pyotr Georgievich Sgibnev was born in 1920 in a village in the Tver Oblast, Russia. He received his secondary education and enrolled in the Leningrad Aero Club at 16. In 1937, he joined the Navy and graduated from the Yeisk Military Aviation School for Naval Pilots in 1940.
World War II:
Baltic and North Sea Action:Upon the outbreak of World War II, Sgibnev served in the Baltic Sea where he engaged enemy ships with rocket attacks. He later transferred to the North Sea where he joined the 78th Fighter Aviation Regiment in January 1942.
Prominent Fighter:
Sgibnev quickly distinguished himself as a fearless fighter, becoming a squadron commander in April 1942. He opened his account of aerial victories in the Arctic skies and by September of that year had claimed six enemy aircraft shot down.
Hero of the Soviet Union:
On October 23, 1942, Sgibnev was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery and skill in combat. By this time, he had flown 186 combat sorties and shot down six aircraft personally.
Commander of the 2nd Guards Aviation Regiment:
After the death of Boris Safonov, Sgibnev was appointed Commander of the 2nd Guards Red Banner Fighter Aviation Regiment, equipped with American P-39 Airacobras. He became a worthy successor to Safonov, known for his leadership and tactical prowess.
Combat Tactics and Achievements:
Sgibnev's reputation as a master of air combat was solidified. He employed Safonov's tactics effectively, participating in numerous aerial battles and claiming 13 more victories. He became a highly decorated pilot, receiving the Order of Lenin and three Orders of the Red Banner.
Tragic Demise:
On May 3, 1943, Sgibnev engaged in an aerial battle and was killed. He had flown 319 combat sorties, fought in 39 air battles, and shot down 19 enemy aircraft.
Legacy:
Pyotr Georgievich Sgibnev's name lives on as a symbol of bravery and skill in Soviet aviation. A street in Severomorsk, Murmansk Oblast, bears his name, and a memorial plaque commemorates his life. His bust stands proudly in the North Sea Air Force Museum, inspiring future generations of pilots.
