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Stmen HaritonovFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 30.04.1921
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Sergei I. Kharlamov: A Legendary Soviet Fighter Pilot
- Combat Record
- Post-War Career
- Last Flight and Legacy
- The Unveiling of Alexander Pokryshkin's Bust
- A Symbol of New Thinking
Sergei I. Kharlamov: A Legendary Soviet Fighter Pilot
Early Life and Military CareerSergei I. Kharlamov was born on April 30, 1921, in Krasny Kuty, now in the Saratov Oblast of Russia. He joined the Red Army in 1939 and graduated from the Stalingrad Military Aviation School in 1942.
Combat Record
From May 1942, Kharlamov served on the Eastern Front of World War II. He was assigned to the 45th Fighter Aviation Regiment and later transferred to the 5th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment. In 1944, he joined the 249th Fighter Aviation Regiment (later redesignated as the 163rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment).
By November 1944, Kharlamov had flown 574 combat missions and engaged in 85 air battles. He personally shot down four enemy aircraft and two in group engagements. For his exceptional courage and valor, he was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union on February 23, 1945.
Post-War Career
After the war, Kharlamov continued to serve in the Soviet Air Force in various responsible positions. He graduated from the Gagarin Air Force Academy in 1955 and the Military Academy of the General Staff in 1961. He rose to the rank of Colonel General of Aviation in 1967.
Kharlamov held the position of Deputy Chairman of the DOSAAF Central Committee for Aviation. He was awarded numerous decorations, including the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner (five times), Alexander Nevsky, the Patriotic War (1st and 2nd class), the Red Star (twice), and various medals. He was also recognized as a Merited Military Pilot of the USSR in 1972 and authored the book "Personally Responsible."
Last Flight and Legacy
Kharlamov passed away in 1990. His life was marked by his unwavering dedication to aviation and his exceptional military service. He remains an inspiration to aspiring military and civilian pilots alike.
The Unveiling of Alexander Pokryshkin's Bust
In a poignant moment, Kharlamov attended the unveiling of a bust of his fellow war hero, Alexander Pokryshkin, at the Zaporozhye Aviation School of Pilots. Despite his declining health, he insisted on making the flight. It became his last combat mission, a tribute to their unwavering friendship and the legacy of their shared service.
A Symbol of New Thinking
The opening of the Zaporozhye Aviation School marked a new era in aviation training. It emphasized defensive tactics and the development of technical skills for both the military and civilian sectors. The school has produced countless distinguished pilots and remains a testament to the transformative impact of "new thinking" in aviation.
