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Yakov OvodovFighter pilot
Date of Birth: 20.10.1917
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Combat Record and Heroism
- Post-War Service and Legacy
- A Legend Remembered:
Early Life and Military Career
Born to Fly:Yakov Leonidovich Ovodov was born on October 20, 1917, in the village of Mordovsky Karay, Russia. As a young man, he completed seven years of education and attended a vocational school in Podolsk, where he worked as a mechanic at a factory.
In 1938, Ovodov joined the Red Army and graduated from the Borisoglebsk Military Aviation School. In February 1942, he entered active military service as part of the 133rd Fighter Aviation Regiment, flying various aircraft including the I-153, Yak-7, Yak-9, and Yak-3.
Combat Record and Heroism
A Force To Be Reckoned With:During World War II, Ovodov swiftly established himself as a skilled and valorous fighter pilot. In 1944, he was recalled from the front lines to attend advanced officer training courses and later resumed combat operations. By April 1945, as the Assistant Commander of the 133rd Fighter Aviation Regiment, Major Ovodov had flown 224 successful combat sorties.
In 69 aerial engagements, he shot down 18 enemy aircraft, earning him the nickname "The Night Hawk." By the war's end, he had completed 230 missions and achieved 19 personal victories in 76 air battles.
Post-War Service and Legacy
A Continued Path:After the war, Ovodov continued his service in the Soviet Air Force. In 1954, he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and settled in Kyiv, where he worked in the State Planning Committee of the Ukrainian SSR.
A Legend Remembered:
Yakov Leonidovich Ovodov passed away on September 9, 1999. His legacy as a decorated war hero and skilled aviator lives on. He was awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner (three times), the Order of the Patriotic War 1st degree (twice), the Order of the Red Star, and numerous medals for his bravery and service.
