Vasilij Trubachenko Pilot, commander of the fighter aviation regiment of the Zabaikalsky Military District, Heroes of the Soviet-Japanese armed conflicts in the Far East Date of Birth: 10.04.1912 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Rise to Leadership
3. Battle of Khalkhin Gol
4. Combat Performance
5. Honors and Legacy

Early Life and Military Career

Vasily Petrovich Trubachenko was born into poverty in 1904. After his father's death, he grew up in an orphanage. His early work experiences included stints as a postal clerk, apprentice salesman, and barrel-maker's apprentice. He joined the Red Army as a volunteer in 1931.

Rise to Leadership

Trubachenko graduated from the Leningrad Military-Theoretical Aviation School in 1932 and the Engels Military School of Pilots in 1934. He served as a junior pilot in the 19th Squadron of the Trans-Baikal Military District. In July 1938, he became a flight commander in the 22nd Fighter Aviation Regiment of the same district.

Battle of Khalkhin Gol

In May 1939, Trubachenko participated in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol. He flew 120 combat missions, engaged in 50 aerial battles, and personally shot down eight Japanese aircraft. In July 1939, he was appointed commander of a squadron in the 22nd Fighter Aviation Regiment.

His leadership and daring were evident in his first mission as squadron commander. Despite enemy fire, he led his squadron in an attack on a Japanese pontoon bridge, destroying it and causing significant casualties. He also led a successful aerial battle against three dozen Japanese fighters, shooting down one of them himself.

Combat Performance

Trubachenko was known for his courage and determination. He continued a reconnaissance mission despite being outnumbered by the enemy, gaining valuable intelligence. He also exhibited a quiet resolve, preferring to focus on his task rather than engaging in idle chatter.

During an attack on a Japanese airfield in August 1939, Trubachenko's squadron inflicted heavy damage on enemy aircraft and prevented them from taking off. Trubachenko himself shot down a Japanese fighter that was attempting to take off, demonstrating his precision shooting skills.

Honors and Legacy

For his actions at Khalkhin Gol, Trubachenko was awarded the Order of Lenin and the Order of "For Military Valor" by the Mongolian People's Republic. On August 29, 1939, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

After the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, Trubachenko attended the Zhukovsky Air Force Academy. He participated in World War II as deputy commander of the 182nd Fighter Aviation Regiment. He was killed in an aerial battle over Odessa on September 16, 1941.

Trubachenko's heroism earned him widespread recognition. A street in Volsk was named after him, and he was posthumously enlisted in the rolls of the Volsk Cement Plant, which was later named in his honor.