Vasilij Senko Pilot-navigator, Hero of the Soviet Union Country: Ukraine

Vasily Senko - A Hero of the Soviet Union

Vasily Vasilyevich Senko, an ethnic Ukrainian, was born on an unknown date. He joined the Soviet Army in 1940 and graduated from the Military Aviation School in 1941. Senko served as a navigator during the Great Patriotic War, fighting on the Stalingrad, Leningrad, and other fronts. From November 1941 to January 1943, he successfully completed 154 combat missions, 144 of which were conducted at night. In total, Senko flew 430 combat missions throughout the war.

On March 25, 1943, Senko was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. He also received numerous other medals and orders for his bravery in combat. In addition to his role as a navigator, Senko also served as a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1942.

Even in the face of adversity, Senko's determination and skill as a navigator shone through. During a particularly treacherous mission, his plane was shot down, and he found himself alone against the enemy. Despite the challenges, Senko managed to make his way back to safety, crawling, swimming across rivers, and fending off enemy attacks. His resilience and bravery earned him the respect of his comrades.

Senko's exceptional abilities as a navigator caught the attention of Lieutenant Barashev, who appointed him as his new navigator. Initially unsure of his ability to replace the previous navigator, Senko quickly proved himself during their first mission. Together, Senko and Barashev flew countless missions, facing the dangers of enemy fire and adverse weather conditions.

Their most notable missions took place during the Battle of Stalingrad, where they flew at night, targeting enemy positions. Their accuracy and precision made them pioneers in their squadron, and their innovative tactics were recognized by the higher command. Their success in combat earned them both the prestigious honor of receiving the Golden Star of the Hero of the Soviet Union on June 29, 1945.

Throughout the war, Senko's dedication to his duty and his unwavering determination to defeat the enemy made him an invaluable asset to the Soviet Air Force. His remarkable achievements as a navigator and his contribution to the war effort will always be remembered and honored.