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Vladimir BezbokovSoviet military leader, Colonel General of Aviation. Hero of the Soviet Union (1945).
Date of Birth: 14.06.1922
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Education
- World War II
- Recognition as a Hero of the Soviet Union
- Post-War Career
- Senior Leadership Roles
- Retirement and Legacy
- Honors and Awards
- Medal "For Military Merit"
Early Life and Military Education
Vladimir Mikhailovich Bezbokov was born in the town of Atkarsk, Saratov Oblast, in 1922. After completing high school, he joined an aero club and subsequently enrolled in a military aviation academy in March 1940.
World War II
Bezbokov fought in the Great Patriotic War from its inception until the defeat of Nazi Germany. He flew bombing missions with the 18th Air Army, supporting various fronts, including the Northwestern, Western, Stalingrad, North Caucasus, Leningrad, Voronezh, and 2nd Ukrainian. He played an active role in the defense of Moscow, Leningrad, and Stalingrad, the Battle of Kursk, and the liberation of Romania, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.
Recognition as a Hero of the Soviet Union
On June 29, 1945, Bezbokov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin, and the Gold Star medal for his exceptional bravery and skill in 259 successful combat missions. He had successfully bombed critical enemy targets deep within enemy territory.
Post-War Career
Following the end of the war, Bezbokov's aviation unit was redeployed to the Far East, where it participated in the war against Japan from August to September 1945. He later served as deputy commander of the 200th Guards Aviation Regiment in Boryspil, Ukraine.
From 1950 to 1953, Bezbokov served as a senior inspector and pilot in long-range aviation. After graduating from the Air Force Academy (1953-1956), he was appointed commander of a long-range aviation regiment. He held various leadership positions in the following years, including deputy commander of an aviation division (1958-1960) and division commander (1960-1963).
Senior Leadership Roles
In 1963, Bezbokov enrolled in the Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the USSR. Upon graduation, he was appointed commander of the 6th Separate Heavy Bomber Corps (1965-1970). From 1970 to 1980, he served as deputy commander of long-range aviation.
Retirement and Legacy
Bezbokov retired from military service in 1985 as a general-colonel in the aviation force. He died on August 3, 2000, and was buried in Irkutsk.
Honors and Awards
Hero of the Soviet UnionOrder of Lenin (three times)
Order of the Red Banner (three times)
Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree (two times)
Order of the Red Star (two times)
Order "For Service to the Homeland in the Armed Forces of the USSR," 3rd degree
