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Vitaliy KorolevFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 05.05.1916
Country:  Kazakhstan |
Content:
Biography of Vitaly Korolev
Early Life and Military CareerVitaly Korolev was born on May 5, 1916, in the village of Bogolyubovo in the Akmolinsk region of the Soviet Union (now the Bishkulsky District of Northern Kazakhstan). He came from a peasant family and completed eight grades of primary school before attending two courses at a mining technical school in Kopeysk, Chelyabinsk Oblast. Korolev joined the Red Army in 1935 and graduated from the Stalingrad Military Aviation School for Pilots in 1939.
World War II
With the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, Korolev served on various fronts, including the Southern, Southwestern, Western, Bryansk, 1st Baltic, 3rd Belorussian, and 1st Ukrainian Fronts. On June 26, 1941, he achieved his first victory by shooting down a Ju-88 bomber while serving as a flight commander. In the spring of 1945, Korolev had several successful battles, shooting down four enemy aircraft over Germany. On February 10, he engaged a large group of "Focke-Wulfs" and dispersed them, destroying two enemy planes.
Heroic Achievements
Vitaly Korolev was known for his exceptional abilities as a fighter pilot. His keen eyesight, caution, impeccable piloting skills, and sniping abilities made him a formidable opponent. By the end of the war, he had flown 558 combat missions, engaged in over 90 aerial battles, and shot down a total of 21 enemy aircraft. In addition, he participated in group missions that resulted in the destruction of 10 enemy planes. His exceptional performance and bravery earned him the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on June 27, 1945.
Post-War and Retirement
After the war, Vitaly Korolev continued to serve in the Soviet Air Force. In 1948, he graduated from the Higher Officer Flight Tactical Courses in Lipetsk, where he trained on jet aircraft. He reached the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1957. Korolev lived in the city of Rzhev, Kalinin Oblast, and was decorated with orders of Lenin, the Red Banner (thrice), the Red Star (twice), and various medals. He passed away on November 4, 1957.
