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Vladimir SmirnovBomber pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Soviet-Finnish War
Date of Birth: 18.12.1902
Country:  Russia |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Vladimir Vasilievich Smirnov was born into a working-class family in Russia. He graduated from high school and worked in a railway depot before joining the Red Army in 1926. In 1928, he completed his training at the 2nd Borisoglebsk Military Pilot School and became a member of the Communist Party in 1929. Smirnov graduated from the Lipetsk Higher Air-Tactical School in 1938.
Role in the Soviet-Finnish War
During the Soviet-Finnish War, Smirnov commanded the 50th High-Speed Bomber Aviation Regiment under the 18th Bomber Aviation Brigade of the 7th Army on the North-Western Front. He led 46 bombing missions, inflicting significant damage on enemy troops and equipment. Despite losing 9 aircraft in combat and 6 in accidents and crashes, Smirnov's regiment played a key role in the conflict. Socialist competition flourished among aviation units under his command during this challenging period.
On 23 February 1940, the 50th Regiment was awarded the Red Banner for its achievements in honor of the 22nd anniversary of the Red Army, and Smirnov was decorated with the Order of the Red Banner. On 21 March 1940, he was conferred the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, receiving the Gold Star Medal No. 289. Nine other pilots in his regiment were also honored with the Hero of the Soviet Union designation.
Great Patriotic War
Smirnov served in the Great Patriotic War. At the outset of the conflict, Colonel Smirnov commanded the 62nd Bomber Aviation Division on the South-Western Front. From the war's inception, the division engaged in combat. In August-September, they found themselves surrounded near Chernigov. Refusing to wait for orders to retreat, Smirnov took responsibility for leading his planes into the air. He battled alongside his staff to reach the front, sustaining injuries during the process. He was evacuated across enemy lines by his adjutant and remained in a hospital until the end of 1941.
Upon recovery, Smirnov was appointed Deputy Air Force Commander. In March 1943, he became commander of the 233rd Assault Aviation Division of the 1st Air Army on the Western Front. He quickly mastered the Ilyushin Il-2 aircraft and personally led groups of attackers on combat missions, including the Battle of Kursk.
Death
Tragically, Colonel Vladimir Vasilievich Smirnov perished on 27 July 1943, during a mission near Kursk.
