Semen Kratinov Fighter pilot Date of Birth: 03.08.1916 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Semen Kratinov

Semen Ustinovich Kratinov was a Soviet fighter pilot and a hero of the Soviet Union. He was born on August 3, 1916, in the city of Lugansk (Voroshilovgrad), in a working-class family. After completing his studies at the vocational school in 1934, he enrolled in the first year of the Leningrad Industrial Institute. Kratinov worked at the Octyabrskaya Revolyutsiya locomotive factory before joining the Red Army in 1935.

In 1938, he graduated from the Voroshilovgrad Military Aviation School for Pilots. From January 1943, Kratinov served on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War as a member of the 40th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, flying the La-5 aircraft. During the Battle of Kursk in July 1943, he commanded a squadron and shot down an enemy bomber on June 6. He then participated in battles on the Dnieper River, often making 3-4 flights per day. On November 6, he destroyed another enemy aircraft near Kiev.

On January 28, 1944, Kratinov led a battle near Vinnitsa, where his squadron of 8 La-5FN fighters engaged 45 Ju-87 dive bombers and 16 accompanying FW-190 fighters. He personally shot down two enemy planes during this battle. By the end of February 1945, Kratinov became the commander of the 40th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, completing a total of 321 combat missions. He personally shot down 18 enemy aircraft and 3 in a group with his comrades. On April 10, 1945, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery and military valor demonstrated in battle.

Kratinov continued his service in the Air Force after the war. He shot down 7 more aircraft (4 in a group), bringing his total number of combat missions to 360. In 1956, Colonel S.U. Kratinov retired from active duty and worked as an engineer at the Voroshilovgrad branch of the State Design and Research Institute for Automation of the Coal Industry. He received several orders and medals, including the Order of Lenin, Order of the Red Banner (four times), Order of Alexander Nevsky, Order of the Patriotic War 1st class, Order of the Red Star, and various medals. Semen Kratinov passed away on January 4, 1982.