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Vasiliy KonobaevFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 15.08.1921
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Vasiliy Konovalov: A Legendary Fighter Pilot
- Combat Career
- Remarkable Feat of May 5, 1943
- Distinguished Service
- Tragic Demise
Vasiliy Konovalov: A Legendary Fighter Pilot
Early Life and Military ServiceVasiliy Konovalov was born on August 15, 1921, into a working-class family in the city of Ekaterinoslav (Dnipropetrovsk). After completing seven grades of education, he worked as a mechanic before joining the Днепропетровск Aeroclub in 1939. In 1940, he enlisted in the Red Army and graduated from the Kachinsky Military Aviation School in 1942.
Combat Career
Konovalov's combat career began in March 1942 as a pilot in the 291st Fighter Regiment. He fought in the Battle of Stalingrad and later on the North Caucasus and Southern Fronts.
Remarkable Feat of May 5, 1943
On May 5, 1943, Konovalov exhibited extraordinary bravery and skill. During a mission to protect ground troops, he encountered 20 enemy bombers escorted by 12 Messerschmitts. Despite being outnumbered, he defended his lead pilot and engaged the enemy. Konovalov skillfully shot down the group leader, sending the bomb-laden plane crashing to the ground.
Distinguished Service
Between April 20 and June 3, 1943, Konovalov flew 56 combat sorties and participated in 35 air battles. He personally shot down 17 enemy aircraft and contributed to the destruction of two others. For his outstanding achievements, he was awarded the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner, the Patriotic War 1st Class, and the Red Star.
Tragic Demise
On September 18, 1943, Konovalov's remarkable career came to an end in an aerial combat near the village of Malaya Tokmachka. He had flown over 60 combat sorties, engaged in 37 air battles, and destroyed a total of 18 enemy aircraft. By the time of his death, he had been posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his exceptional courage and devotion to duty.
