 |
Vladmir NanejshviliBomber pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Soviet-Finnish War
Country:
 Georgia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Spanish Civil War
- Pre-World War II Period
- Winter War
- World War II
- Post-War Career
- Awards and Honors
- Two Orders of Lenin
Early Life and Education
Vladimir Vardeevich Naneyishvili was born in Gori, Georgia on January 1, 1909. He graduated from the Humanities Technical School in Gori and joined the Red Army in 1925, becoming a member of the Communist Party in 1926. He then went on to complete training at the Leningrad Military-Theoretical School for Pilots in 1926 and the 1st Military School for Pilots named after Comrade Myasnikov in Kach in 1928.
Military Career
Naneyishvili began his military career as a flight commander and later became the commander of an aviation detachment and an attack squadron in the 253rd Light Attack Aviation Brigade. During his time in the brigade, he actively participated in training exercises and demonstrated exceptional skills and leadership.
Spanish Civil War
In 1936, Naneyishvili volunteered to fight in the Spanish Civil War. He commanded a squadron of Soviet pilots and gained valuable experience in combat operations. His bravery and leadership earned him the respect of both his fellow pilots and the Spanish Republican forces.
Pre-World War II Period
After his return from Spain, Naneyishvili was promoted to colonel and appointed commander of the 147th High-Speed Bombardment Aviation Brigade of the Leningrad Military District in 1938. In this role, he played a key role in developing the brigade's combat capabilities and training its personnel.
Winter War
During the Soviet-Finnish War of 1939-1940, Naneyishvili commanded the 18th High-Speed Bombardment Aviation Brigade. Under his leadership, the brigade conducted numerous bombing missions against enemy targets, including the bombing of Helsinki and the destruction of enemy fortifications on the Mannerheim Line. Naneyishvili's skill and courage earned him the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on March 21, 1940.
World War II
With the outbreak of World War II, Naneyishvili commanded the 27th Fighter Aviation Division in the Transcaucasian Military District. He later assumed command of the 238th Attack Aviation Division, which played a crucial role in the defense of the Caucasus. Naneyishvili's leadership and tactical acumen contributed to the division's successes in repelling enemy advances and inflicting heavy losses on the German forces.
Post-War Career
After the war, Naneyishvili held various command positions in the Soviet Air Force. He was promoted to lieutenant general of aviation in 1944 and served as commander of the 8th Attack Aviation Corps. In 1945, he was wounded in action.
Naneyishvili retired from the military in 1953. He lived in retirement until his death in Moscow on August 2, 1988, at the age of 79.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his distinguished military career, Vladimir Vardeevich Naneyishvili received numerous awards and honors, including:
Two Orders of Lenin
Three Orders of the Red BannerOrder of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 1st Class
Order of Suvorov, 2nd Class
Order of Kutuzov, 2nd Class
Order of the Red Star
Order of the Patriotic War, 1st Class
Hero of the Soviet Union (twice)
Hero of the Soviet-Finnish War
