Vladimir Burmatov Fighter pilot Date of Birth: 15.07.1921

1. Early Life and Military Service
2. Combat Record and Heroism
3. Post-War Career and Legacy

Early Life and Military Service

Vladimir Aleksandrovich Burmatov was born on July 15, 1921, in the city of Kovrov, in the Vladimir region of Russia, to a working-class family. After graduating from high school, he began working as a dispatcher at a local factory. In December 1940, he was conscripted into the Soviet Navy.

Aspiring to become a pilot, Burmatov requested to be assigned to a military aviation school. His wish was granted, and he enrolled in the Saransk Flight School in 1942. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Baltic and Northern Fleets.

Combat Record and Heroism

During the Great Patriotic War, Burmatov flew 191 combat sorties and participated in 43 aerial battles. He personally shot down 12 enemy aircraft and shared in the destruction of another. His exceptional skills and bravery earned him the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on May 31, 1944.

Burmatov was also severely wounded twice during his service, but he continued to fight despite his injuries. Once, he was forced to eject from his burning aircraft and landed in the icy waters of the Barents Sea. Despite these setbacks, he never lost his determination to defend his country.

Post-War Career and Legacy

After the war, Burmatov continued his military service and graduated from the Higher Officer Courses of the Naval Air Force in 1945 and the Air Force Academy in 1952. In 1957, he retired from the military with the rank of Colonel.

After his retirement, Burmatov worked as an engineer and technologist at the Degtyarev Plant in Kovrov. He was awarded numerous orders and medals, including the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner (three times), the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class, and the Order of the Red Star (twice).

Burmatov's bravery and sacrifice inspired generations of Soviet and Russian pilots. A bust of him was erected on the territory of the Northern Fleet's Aviation Museum, and his name continues to be remembered as a symbol of the heroism of the Soviet people in World War II.