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Volkan GoranovBomber pilot, Heroes of the National Revolutionary War in Spain
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Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Spanish Civil War
- Battle of Navalcarnero
- Hero of the Soviet Union
- Continued Career
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Volkan Semyonovich Goranov, also known as Halil Ekrem, was born into a teacher's family in Bulgaria. At the age of 16, he actively engaged in underground organizations. After being drafted into the army, he was sent to flight school due to his education.
Upon graduating, Goranov became a pilot in a military unit and embarked on propaganda work among soldiers. His participation in a May Day demonstration led to his dismissal from the army and prosecution. However, he managed to escape and emigrated to the Soviet Union in 1931 under the alias Volkan Goranov.
Spanish Civil War
When the Spanish Civil War broke out, Goranov served as a flight commander at the GVF flight school in Tambov. He fought in the National-Revolutionary War in Spain from September to December 1936 as part of the 1st International Bombardment Squadron under the pseudonym "Halil Ekrem." He flew four combat sorties in a French-built Potez 54 twin-engine bomber.
Battle of Navalcarnero
On October 30, 1936, the 1st International Bombardment Squadron was tasked with attacking a concentration of rebel troops and equipment in Navalcarnero, 30 km southwest of Madrid. During the mission, Goranov's Potez was attacked by four German Heinkel He 51 fighters. Despite intense fire, the crew fought back, successfully repelling the initial attack. However, their aircraft sustained heavy damage, injuring several crew members.
With both engines damaged, Goranov's plane began losing altitude rapidly. He skillfully planned a landing, avoiding capture by enemy forces. The aircraft crashed between the second and third lines of Republican trenches. Despite the damage, all crew members survived.
Hero of the Soviet Union
On December 31, 1936, Goranov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union. He was later awarded the Gold Star medal, a special distinction for Heroes of the Soviet Union.
Continued Career
After returning from Spain, Goranov continued his service in the Soviet Air Force and was later appointed head of the Department of Educational Institutions of the GVF of the USSR. He served as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR during the first convocation.
In the years that followed, Goranov played a significant role in the development of Bulgaria's Air Force. He was also instrumental in securing the release of unjustly imprisoned individuals and promoting friendship between Bulgaria and the USSR.
Legacy
Goranov's contributions to the Bulgarian Air Force in the 1950s and 1970s were immense. He oversaw the modernization of the force with Soviet-made aircraft, including the MiG-21, Il-14, and Mi-1 helicopters.
In 1974, Goranov was awarded the title Hero of the People's Republic of Bulgaria for his outstanding contributions. After retiring from military service, he spent his final years promoting the legacy of the Spanish Civil War and strengthening ties between Bulgaria and the Soviet Union.