Serafima Amosova Pilot, participant of the Great Patriotic War Date of Birth: 20.08.1914 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Aviation Career
3. Wartime Service
4. Combat Missions and Decorations
5. Postwar Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Born on August 20, 1914, in Chernoretchenskaya, Siberia, Serafima Amasova was the daughter of a railway worker. Her grandfather had migrated from Belarus to Siberia in the late 19th century. In 1921, she began attending school and became involved in extracurricular activities, including playing the balalaika in a string ensemble. After completing seven grades, she moved to Krasnoyarsk in 1929 to pursue a trade skill. She also joined the Komsomol (Young Communist League) and trained as a lathe operator. In 1933, she attended the All-Union Conference of Pioneer Workers in Moscow.

Aviation Career

Inspired by her early passion for aviation, Amasova enrolled in the Osoaviahim glider school. After completing her glider training, she was involved in an accident but recovered and was admitted to the Tambov Aviation School. In August 1936, she graduated with honors and received her pilot's license. Upon her return to Siberia, she worked as a pilot for the Civil Air Fleet, flying planes on the Moscow-Irkutsk route.

Wartime Service

With the outbreak of World War II in 1941, Amasova immediately requested to be sent to the front lines. Initially denied, she persisted and eventually received orders to report to Major Marina Raskova. Joining the all-female 125th Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment, she became a squadron commander and was promoted to lieutenant. She earned the Order of the Red Banner for her bravery in combat and was later appointed deputy commander for flight operations.

Combat Missions and Decorations

Throughout the war, Amasova flew over 400 combat missions, daytime and night sorties. She also took part in reconnaissance flights and the training of new pilots. In 1943, her regiment participated in the North Caucasus, Krasnodar, and Novorossiysk-Taman operations. During the liberation of Novorossiysk, Amasova's group carried out 233 sorties. Later, she flew missions over the Eltigen landing site in Crimea and participated in the liberation of Belarus and Poland. By the end of the war, she had accumulated 555 боевых вылетов (combat missions).

Postwar Life and Legacy

After the war, Amasova was demobilized and married. She changed her name to Tarasenko and had three sons. She continued to serve her country through various roles, including the editor of the magazine "Battle Comrade" and as the head of the 46th Taman Guards Night Light Bomber Regiment Council from 1982 to 1992. Serafima Tarasenko passed away on December 17, 1992, leaving a legacy as a pioneering aviator and a symbol of courage and determination. Her numerous decorations include the Order of the Red Banner and the Order of Alexander Nevsky.