 |
Viktor KolyadinFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 02.06.1922
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- World War II
- Distinguished Service on the Eastern Front
- Post-War Career
- Retirement and Legacy
Early Life and Career
Victor Ivanovich Kolyadin was born on June 2, 1922, in the town of Holubivka, Ukraine. After graduating from school, he joined the local aero club. In 1938, he enlisted in the Red Army and completed his pilot training at the Voroshilovgrad Military Aviation School in 1941.
World War II
Kolyadin was sent to the front lines of the Great Patriotic War in March 1942. Initially, he flew Su-2 light bombers, completing over 350 combat sorties. In 1943, he transferred to fighter aviation and began flying the P-39 Airacobra.
Distinguished Service on the Eastern Front
From June 1944 to April 1945, Senior Lieutenant Kolyadin served as Squadron Commander in the 68th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment. During this time, he flew 185 combat sorties, participated in 30 air battles, and personally shot down 15 enemy aircraft. In one memorable encounter, he managed to evade a trap by diving his Yakovlev fighter and downing an enemy plane.
Post-War Career
After the war, Kolyadin remained in the Air Force and commanded the 28th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment during the Korean War, where he claimed an additional five aerial victories. In 1961, he graduated from the Military Academy of the General Staff. In 1966, he was honored with the title "Honored Military Pilot of the USSR."
Retirement and Legacy
Kolyadin retired from active service in 1973 with the rank of Major General. He settled in Sevastopol and worked as the head of the photo workshop at the "Ekspress" company. He received numerous awards, including the Order of Lenin (twice), the Order of the Red Banner (six times), and the Order of the Red Star. He passed away after a long and distinguished career in aviation.
