| Tombstone | ||
| Bronze bust in Novosibirsk | ||
| Monument in Novosibirsk | ||
| Monument in Krasnodar (old view) | ||
| Memorial plaque in Kyiv | ||
| Memorial plaque in Novosibirsk (on the vocational school building) | ||
| Memorial plaque in Novosibirsk (on the plant building) | ||
| Monument in Novosibirsk (view 2) | ||
| Memorial plaque in Krasnodar | ||
| Bust in Zaporozhye | ||
| Memorial plaque in Kyiv | ||
| Bust in Novosibirsk | ||
| Memorial plaque in Novosibirsk (on the temple building) | ||
| Walk of Fame in Zaporozhye | ||
| Monument in Krasnodar (new view) | ||
| Memorial plaque in Kyiv (2) | ||
| Memorial plaque in Moscow (on the DOSAAF building) | ||
| Memorial plaque in Smolensk | ||
| Memorial plaque in Moscow (on the house where he lived) | ||
| Memorial plaque in Perm |
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P Okryshkin Alexander Ivanovich - fighter pilot; first three times Hero Soviet Union.
Born on March 6 (19), 1913* in the city of Novonikolaevsk (now Novosibirsk) in a working-class family. Russian. In 1928 he graduated from the 7th grade of school. Since January 1923, he worked as a roofer in construction associations. He graduated from the seven-year school in 1928 and the FZU school at the Sibcombine plant in 1932. He worked as a fitter at a factory.
In the Red Army since June 1932. In 1933 he graduated from the 3rd Perm Military School of Aviation Technicians, in 1934 - from the Leningrad Military Theoretical Aviation School. Since December 1934, he served as a communications technician for the 74th Infantry Division of the North Caucasus Military District (Krasnodar). At the same time he studied at the Krasnodar flying club. Wrote 40 reports to commanders, the head of the Air Force, and the People's Commissar of Defense. In November 1938, he finally achieved his goal - he was sent to the 1st Kachin Military Aviation Pilot School named after A.F. Myasnikov, from which he graduated with honors in 1939.
Since December 1939 - junior pilot of the 55th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Air Force of the Odessa Military District. He was one of the first in the regiment to master the MiG-3 fighter. Soon he became a flight commander.
On the fronts of the Great Patriotic War from the first day. Member of the CPSU since 1942.
On the first combat mission, a Soviet Su-2 bomber, piloted by the squadron commander of the 211th Bomber Aviation Regiment M.I., was mistakenly shot down. Gudzenko. Both his superiors and special officers will remember this incident for a long time. On June 23, in an air battle with the 5th Me-109 in the Prut River area, he shot down one of them, but was also shot down. With great difficulty I reached my airfield and landed. In the summer of 1941, in battles on the Southern Front, he shot down several enemy aircraft, but due to the destruction of regimental documents, they were not counted towards him. In November 1941, Senior Lieutenant Pokryshkin was appointed deputy squadron commander of the same regiment.
IN At the beginning of 1942, the regiment was transferred to the rear in Transcaucasia. Among other pilots, he mastered the P-39 Airacobra aircraft, and even transported these aircraft from Iran. He returned to the front again only in the spring of 1943. Particularly distinguished himself during air battle in Kuban in April - June 1943. It was here that his famous formula was born: “Height, speed, maneuver, fire.” Squadron commander of the 16th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (216th Mixed Aviation Division, 4th Air Army, North Caucasus Front) Guard Captain Pokryshkin A.I. On April 12, in an air battle near the village of Krymskaya, right in front of the eyes of the commander of the 4th VA, General K.A. Vershinin, he shot down 4 Me-109s. On the same day he shot down 3 more planes. In total, by June 1943, he had flown 354 combat missions, conducted 54 air battles, and shot down 13 enemy aircraft personally and 6 in a group.
Z and the exemplary performance of combat missions of the command on the front of the fight against the German invaders and the courage and heroism shown by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of May 24, 1943, the guard captain was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union with the presentation of the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal.
By August 1943, the squadron commander of the regiment (9th Guards Fighter Aviation Division, 4th Air Army, North Caucasus Front) Guard, Major A.I. Pokryshkin made 455 combat missions and personally shot down 30 enemy aircraft. Z and outstanding feats on the front of the fight against the German invaders to Guard Major Pokryshkin Alexander Ivanovich By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of August 24, 1943, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for the second time.
Later he took part in battles over the Black Sea and over the Dnieper.
P Okryshkin was the author of many new tactical techniques for fighter aircraft. I always carried an album with me in which I drew diagrams of air battles (now kept in the Central Museum Armed Forces). He was one of the first to practice “free hunting”. He himself was an excellent pilot and thoroughly knew the design of the aircraft (a former technician!). His tactics and fighting techniques were then spread on all fronts. In February 1944, he was summoned to Moscow by Air Force commander A.A. Novikov offered to take the position of head of the aviation school, but Pokryshkin refused and returned to the front.
Since March 1944 - commander of the 16th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (same division, 7th Fighter Aviation Corps, 8th Air Army, 1st Ukrainian Front). Guard Lieutenant Colonel Pokryshkin A.I. By May 1944, he had flown 550 combat missions and personally shot down 53 enemy aircraft in 137 air battles. Since May 1944 - commander of the 9th Guards Fighter Aviation Division. On the Airacobra, the P-39N with tail number 100 took part in the battles over Prut and Iasi, in the Lvov-Sandomierz operation.
"Z and exemplary performance of combat missions of the command and heroic deeds on the front of the fight against the Nazi invaders by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of August 19, 1944 to Guard Colonel Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union three times with the award of the third Gold Star medal.
He became the first three times Hero of the Soviet Union!
TO Commanding a division, he liberated Poland and Romania, and participated in the Berlin offensive operation. He ended the war in Czechoslovakia (he fought his last battle on May 9, 1945 over Prague). In total, he made more than 650 combat missions, in 156 air battles he personally shot down 59 (according to unofficial data 75) and 6 enemy aircraft in a group. During the Victory Parade on June 24, 1945 on Red Square in Moscow, he carried the Banner of the 1st Ukrainian Front.
After the war he continued to serve in the Armed Forces. In June 1945 he was sent to study. In 1948 he graduated from the Military Academy named after M.V. Frunze. Since January 1949 - deputy commander of the 33rd Air Defense Fighter Aviation Corps. Since June 1951 - commander of the 88th Air Defense Fighter Aviation Corps (Rzhev). Since January 1956 - again at school.
In 1957 he graduated from the Higher Military Academy named after K.E. Voroshilov. Since January 1958 - Chief of Fighter Aviation of the North Caucasus Air Defense Army. Since August 1959 - Commander of the Kyiv (from 1961 - 8th separate) Army of the country's Air Defense Forces, at the same time in 1961-1968 - Deputy Commander of the Kyiv Military District for Air Defense Forces.
Since July 1968 - Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the country's Air Defense Forces.
Since August 1971 - Chairman of the Central Committee of DOSAAF of the USSR.
Since November 1981 - military inspector-adviser of the Group of Inspectors General of the USSR Ministry of Defense.
Candidate of Military Sciences (1969). Candidate member of the CPSU Central Committee since 1976. He was elected as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR for 2-10 convocations (1946-1984). In 1979-1984 - member of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Military ranks:
military technician 2nd rank (1935),
senior lieutenant (1939),
captain (1942),
major (June 1943),
lieutenant colonel,
Colonel (07/2/1944),
Major General of Aviation (3.08.1953),
Lieutenant General of Aviation (02/18/1958),
Colonel General of Aviation (1969),
Air Marshal (12/16/1972).Awarded 6 Orders of Lenin (12/22/1941; 05/24/1943; 03/6/1963; 10/21/1967; 02/21/1978; 03/5/1983); order October revolution(03/05/1973); 4 Orders of the Red Banner (04/22/1943; 07/18/1943; 12/24/1943; 04/20/1953); 2 Orders of Suvorov, 2nd degree (04/06/1945; 05/29/1945); Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree (03/11/1985); 2 Orders of the Red Star (11/6/1947; 06/4/1955); Order "For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR" 3rd degree (04/30/1975); medals: “For military merit” (11/3/1944); “For the defense of the Caucasus” (05/1/1944); "For the victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945." (9.05.1945); "For valiant labor in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945." (06/06/1945); "For the liberation of Prague" (06/09/1945); "For the capture of Berlin" (06/09/1945); "XXX years of the Soviet Army and Navy" (02.22.1948); "In memory of the 800th anniversary of Moscow" (04/07/1951); "40 years of the Armed Forces of the USSR" (12/18/1957); “For the development of virgin lands” (11/5/1964); "Twenty years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945." (7.05.1965); "50 years of the Armed Forces of the USSR" (12/26/1967); "For military valor. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin" (04/20/1970); "Thirty years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945." (04/25/1975); "60 years of the Armed Forces of the USSR" (01/28/1978); “For strengthening the military community” (05/31/1980); "In memory of the 1500th anniversary of Kyiv" (05/17/1982); "Veteran of the USSR Armed Forces" (04/30/1984); "Forty years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945." (04/12/1985); foreign awards: United States Army Distinguished Service Medal, 1943 (some sources call the medal “For Distinguished Service”); Orders of Tudor Vladimirescu 2nd and 3rd degrees (Romania); Order of Karl Marx (GDR); Order of Virtuti Militari (Military Valor, Poland); Order "Polonia Restiwa" ("Renaissance of Poland"); Order of Sukhbaatar (MPR); Order of the Red Banner of the Mongolian People's Republic; medals from Vietnam, Cuba, Bulgaria, East Germany, Czechoslovakia.
Honorary citizen of Novosibirsk.
A bust and a monument were erected in Novosibirsk, and a metro station named after “Marshal Pokryshkin” was named after him. A monument to the Hero was erected in Krasnodar, and a memorial plaque was installed on the house in which he lived. Memorial plaques also installed in Moscow, Kyiv, Perm and Novosibirsk. Streets in Moscow, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Krasnodar, Angarsk and other cities are named after A.I. Pokryshkin. The name of the Hero is borne by the Novosibirsk Aviation Training Center and Technical School in Novosibirsk, and the Kiev Higher Engineering radio engineering school Air defense.
Note: All reference books and books indicate the date of birth of A.I. Pokryshkin on March 6, 1913. However, it is not. In the metric book about birth, marriage and death according to the Tomsk spiritual consistory of the Intercession Church of Novonikolaevsk ( State Archives Novosibirsk region, file 156, inventory 1, No. 1444, sheet 75) there is a record of the birth on March 6 and the baptism on March 10 of the baby Alexander Pokryshkin. Thus, the date March 6 is the date of birth of A.I. Pokryshkin according to the old style.
Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin officially shot down 59 planes, but in reality, according to his colleagues, 116
Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin - this is a famous Soviet fighter pilot, Great Patriotic War war. He became FIRST Three times Hero of the USSR And the only one during the war! List Three times Heroes consists of only 23 Human !
Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin was born 19th March 1913 years in the city Novosibirsk, which Then was called Novonikolaevsk, V ordinary wooden house that stood on the shore small rivers Kamenka. Wish becoming a pilot came to his mind when Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin saw for the first time airplane! It was the one who arrived in Novosibirsk propaganda airplane. Pokryshkina happened touch the wing plane, after which he said : « I'll just pilot! But way from children's dreams before first independent departure ended up with him long And not simple!
By Komsomol travel package Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin Fall into aviation school, but the school turns out to be aviation technical. At first he didn't want to study there, but he was told that if you don’t study at aviation equipment, That post it on the table Komsomol card. Allow this to happen at that time meant get for the whole the rest of my life "wolf ticket" And Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin was forced continue studying at aviation equipment.
At first Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin got into aviation as a military man aviation equipment. During service aircraft technician in order to get into the flight crew he sent air command report requesting send him V pilot school. Reports it turned out 39 pieces, and ALL they stayed NO ANSWER! Help suddenly provided by the boss Krasnodar flying club, besides civil institutions ! While studying at flying club Pokryshkin made it myself AIR SIMULATOR, on which I worked everything flight elements. That's why when Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin flew on a plane with instructor, it became clear that he can fly on one's own! IN 10th flight Pokryshkina released one! The flight he took off Great! Having passed full course training, Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin safely rents out All exams. After that command finally for rent and sends to Kachinskoye aviation flight school.
The Great Patriotic War can be divided into two stages. The first stage is 1941-42, when Soviet army lost the war on almost all counts and mostly retreated. The first two years of the war, the Soviet army held mainly count of three factors - these are Russian distances, Russian winter and the cost of INCREDIBLE LOSSES both in technology and ESPECIALLY in HUMAN RESOURCES! The second stage is when the Soviet army began to win, however, also at the cost of an incredible NUMBER of LIVES!
Life Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin also possible conditionally divide on two stages. The fact is that first day wars June 22nd Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin shot down MINE plane with red stars! Tragic ridiculous happening. Under certain conditions For Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin he might even become deadly! Pokryshkina in some ways with a stretch one might say lucky. The command decided What is the point will be from another death in the location of the part, Here if in battle...
On the next day Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin shoots down his own in the sky first fascist airplane. First victory was given in the sky Alexander IvanovichPokryshkina Very not easy, considering cargo previous mistakes! It happened impression, How like fate still a very long time punished Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin behind admitted mistake!
The war continued. There was in the sky tenfold superiority fascists ! Fascist planes superior Soviet on all technical specifications! German pilots in progress flight training business, before hitting directly to the front, attacked besides the usual aerobatics, and also 200 COMBAT TRAINING flight hours ! These were flights from A COMPLETE IMITATION OF REAL AIR COMBAT. Soviet pilots receive such training BEFORE hits on front I never dreamed of it (see article "German fighters of the Second World War")! More is needed here add, What German pilots before war with USSR already acquired a real combat experience in Spain, England, France! Let us also recall that many Soviet pilots who purchased COMBAT experience V Spain, were BEFORE, Great Patriotic War wars, SHOOTED BY Stalin. So the science win in Great Patriotic War the war was given, TOO MUCH EXPENSIVE price!
Thanks to this flight-combat preparation GERMAN pilots objectively real were at that time the best in the world. This is in no way and under no circumstances doesn't belittle merits and abilities Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin and others productive Soviet pilots, we're just talking Not about individual pilots, and about THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY flight crew . Also based on analysis And results military operations World War II war must be stated fact, What second in the world by CLASS were JAPANESE pilots. If we don’t talk about this topic for a long time, then enough bring one exponential fact. Japanese pilots KAMIKAZE were trained to fly FIGHTER ON YOURSELF With age V 14 years old! Guilt behind 3rd place V world, our Soviet pilots, lies under no circumstances Not on the pilots themselves, and on Air Force command And leaders of the USSR because they did not provide relevant CONDITIONS OF PREPARATION pilots !
American Aircobra fighters supplied to the USSR under Lend-Lease
Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin was KNOWN TWICE. Here you need mention one such very important point. Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin managed stay alive after he 2 times was shot down V greater degrees thanks to that he more fought part of the time NOT IN SOVIET, A IN AMERICAN fighter « AIRCOBRA! The fact is that American fighter Aircobra, Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin had one very important technical peculiarity, giving him, undeniable advantage in a relationship pilot protection! As everything is known fighter weapon only shoots forward, That's why a fighter is shot down from behind, getting behind him. On Aircobra engine was NOT IN YOUR NOSE airplane, and BEHIND THE PILOT. Respectively Aircobra engine, Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin In addition to the main function, he also performed pilot protection function from enemy bullets and shells ! Yes, of course, when bullets and shells hit engine he usually went out of order But THE PILOT REMAINED INITIAL! Alone American fighters Aircobra, was delivered in USSR by program Lend-Lease, 6 000 things !
First once Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin shot down July 3rd upon departure to INTELLIGENCE early in the morning. We flew out on reconnaissance 2 in pairs. Done wrong approach – By valley along the river. There was German crossing across the river. Accordingly, they were quickly noticed German anti-aircraft gunners. Fighters enemy in this area did not have. Anti-aircraft gunners opened on them powerful anti-aircraft fire. U Germans has always been a lot of anti-aircraft guns ! I had to snuggle To water. At that time Lukashevich from 1st the couple began to change lanes to the left, and there he ended up Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin and airplanes almost collided. Avoiding a collision Pokryshkin flew up up meters per 50 above water. At this moment in motor airplane Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin fall three anti-aircraft projectile. Water And oil from the engine flowed the plane continued barely pull on height 50 meters.
Pokryshkin tried to fly over front line. At this time he saw there is a small one ahead valley and decided to sit on it. But when approaching To valley I saw what was going through it road, and along the road he goes German Column. Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin pulled with difficulty to the side through small river. Set bank the plane was it is forbidden, so he turned as far as possible, periodically little by little, pressing in the direction of the turn and letting go pedals. At this moment over the hill engine finally refused and the plane started flat sharp decline. Height was very small, so jump with a parachute was it is forbidden! Rested his hands V dashboard Hit.
American Aircobra fighter brought to the USSR under the Lend-Lease program on the blades is the Curtiss Electric emblem
When Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin I woke up and saw that wings lie separately, tail Same fell off but he himself remained alive! Straightaway unhooked the parachute. First thought was about what will have to happen now shoot back. cocked gun, looked around on both sides, listened, did they appear Germans. The time was 5 hours morning, solar day, the birds are singing! Nemtsev nearby it didn't turn out. Then thanks thoughts, What shoot yourself he always will be in time, calmed down and went towards his troops ! Until yours Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin got about 3 days. When the plane crashed, he, of course, received injuries, But no fractures! There was only a small crack in the bones legs and some burns. Stayed 3 days in the medical unit. Then reeled To leg, where there was a slight crack, tire and so and continued to fly out for assignments !
Basic reason so big quantities air victories of Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin it was his NON-STANDARD And THE UNEXPECTED conducting the battle. Only those were good THOUGHT OUT surprises ! He acted in battle accurately. By instructions combat was envisaged mainly in horizontal planes, on turns, A Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin IMPOSED air battle to the enemy on VERTICALS! Also Pokryshkin I used one more thing INNOVATION. Before this, shooting from everyone type weapons on Aircobre managed separate button. Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin All fire control of your fighter REDITED on ONE BUTTON, that is ALL WEAPONS his fighter started shooting SIMULTANEOUSLY, when you press ONE BUTTON! Armament fighter Aircobra was more powerful than on Soviet fighters. Into arms Aircobras included, including a gun caliber 37 mm ! Thus, if Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin from the weapons of your fighter hit it right on the plane enemy it's just that spread V "dust"! And of course one of the immutable terms his victories were PERFECT AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP!
Also Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin used his personal aerobatic reception, in most cases bringing him victory in an air battle, which was called "falcon strike" It was that he previously dialed greater height flight, then from this height under dived at a high angle on high speed on the enemy. Then when approaching to the enemy passed on small dive angle And, keeping big speed, shot at him. This aerobatic maneuver Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin was especially effective when attacking numerous groups of planes, besides he allowed attackers leave the battle almost no losses! For more greater efficiency such attacks Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin previously studied technical device German airplanes and always took into account from which sides better come in on this type enemy aircraft.
However independent, direct character and non-standard fighting Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin liked not everyone! One day division commander, despite successes in air battles, he said emotionally Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin: »Everyone will reward you awards do not wait!" Further more, in 1942 year according to the wording “for violation of the requirements of the fighter aviation charter” by Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin expelled from the party And transferred to reserve regiment. In addition to that, in a military tribunal on him they start a case.
However, from flying Pokryshkin was NOT suspended. Beginning with 1943 year Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin, begins new stage in life. IN 1943 year after three months air battles May 24th he gets the first star of the hero of the Soviet Union behind the number 993! From that moment on he became to help That, which was a hindrance before. His formula – height, speed, maneuver, fire began to be used All! Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin appointed commander shelf and then the commander divisions. At the same time he continues to fly. His American airplane Aircobra, pointing on enemies panic! IN 1944 year Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin was awarded third Hero Star!!! Decree awards was published in all newspapers countries ! Solemn the award ceremony took place in Kremlin.
For capture bridgehead over the river Vistula, Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin awarded herself valuable For front-line soldier award - home leave — on 5 days ! When he arrived in Novosibirsk, he was greeted by half the city! Everyone wanted to see him, say hello, talk. As a result Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin spent directly with family 1 day. Co his wife Maria, Pokryshkin met on front - She was nurse. IN end they will have wars daughter, A after the war son!
Spring 1945 year in Europe it was a great day early. Ground airfields got lucky. Fascists concrete takeoffs were blown up stripes on their Germanic airfields. Soviet troops rapidly were advancing and they needed air support. Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin suggested using it as runway straight section highway Breslau – Berlin(quality of German roads!). In the sky Germany Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin knocked down his 59th fascist plane in 156 air battles. Number 59 downed planes was assigned to him officially, But ACCORDING TO DATA OF CO-SERVANTS Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin, he shot down 116 airplanes !
Then there was victory parade. Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin at the parade in rank colonel carried Banner of the First Ukrainian front ! Then he learned and graduated Frunze Academy and continued to serve in aviation. After the war he promoted receiving new positions and titles, but years of war remained for him the most stellar!
The legendary pilot Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin was feared like fire by all the pilots of the Third Reich. March 6 marked the 102nd anniversary of the birth of the legendary Soviet ace pilot. This post will tell you about the difficult fate of the great pilot who went through the entire war and became an air marshal.
“Achtung! Pokryshkin ist in der Luft!”
“Achtung! Achtung! Pokryshkin is in the air! - since the spring of 1943, German warning posts warned their pilots that there was a Russian ace in the air. His name terrified both young people and Luftwaffe aces. In only three cases did the Germans switch over the air from encrypted messages to clear text: “Achtung! Khir is a partisan!” (“Attention! There are partisans here!”); “Achtung! Hir panzer! (tanks) and “Akhtung! Pokryshkin!
March 19 (March 6, O.S.) marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin, the legendary ace pilot, the second most successful (after Ivan Kozhedub) fighter pilot among the pilots of the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition in World War II.
It is interesting that Alexander Ivanovich was born on the day when the celebration of the “Blessed Heaven” icon takes place - this is an icon Holy Mother of God, according to legend, brought to Moscow from Lithuania by the wife of Grand Duke Vasily I, Sofia Vitovtovna, as a parental blessing. The title goes back to the text of the Mother of God of the 1st hour (written on the icon inside the edge of the radiance): “What shall we call Thee, O Blessed One? Heaven, as if you have risen as the Sun of Truth.”
There is something significant about this coincidence. The sky really was fertile for Pokryshkin.
August 19, 1944 A.I. Pokryshkin becomes three times Hero of the Soviet Union. The first and only one during the war years (G.K. Zhukov and I.N. Kozhedub were awarded the third Gold Stars after May 9, 1945). Alexander Ivanovich was also awarded one of the highest awards in the United States - the Medal for Distinguished Service.
Pokryshkin went through the war from the first to last day. He did not leave the battles from June 22, 1941 to August 1942. He later said: “Those who did not fight in 1941-1942 do not know the real war.”
He was shot down twice and escaped from encirclement. At least ten times only a miracle saved the pilot from death: bullets hit the sight, the headset earpiece, and scratched his chin. “I will never hide from the enemy and I will remain alive. I have always followed this,” said Pokryshkin. In 1944, he refused his general position at the Air Force headquarters and returned to the front.
Pokryshkin is the creator of new tactics for Soviet fighter aviation, as well as a system for commissioning young pilots. There were only two analysts of this level among our and German aces - Alexander Pokryshkin and Werner Mölders (died in a plane crash in 1941). Surprisingly, they were not just the same age, but were born almost on the same day: Pokryshkin - 6 (19 according to the new century), Mölders - March 18, 1913.
During the Great Patriotic War, Pokryshkin became the author of the famous air combat formula: “altitude - speed - maneuver - fire.”
Among the names of military pilots, the name of Pokryshkin stands apart. Having one of the highest official results in terms of the number of aerial victories, he was the author, guide and bearer of new tactical formations and air combat techniques, an unbending fighter against routine, an example of a fighter - skillful, fierce and noble.
Natural wisdom, honesty, strength of character and, as a consequence, high civic courage distinguished the actions of this man and determined the greatness and adversity of his inspired destiny.
A fighter, purposeful and active, looking for his own path, not in a hurry to carry out ill-conceived orders, an excellent organizer of group air combat and, as time has shown, air warfare, Pokryshkin was very inconvenient to many superiors. Initiative and independence do not always find recognition, and during the hard times of war they cost the ace a lot of strength. At the same time, Pokryshkin was not ambitious, as evidenced by his refusal in February 1944 from a high position at the Air Force headquarters and from the immediate rank of general's shoulder straps.
Despite his outward sternness, as a true pilot, he was characterized by balanced and precise humor; he himself loved jokes, was not offended by witticisms directed at himself, and appreciated comedians. By nature, Pokryshkin was very reserved and delicate. Companions and relatives testified that swearing in his mouth was impossible under any circumstances: not in the excitement of an air battle, not when other people made mistakes, not during domestic troubles.
The author of the popular formula: altitude - speed - maneuver - fire - Pokryshkin on the ground was very restrained and taciturn, able to express his thoughts clearly and concisely. No one ever heard abuse from his lips, and the pilot’s honesty and integrity often caused conflicts with his superiors.
In the late winter of 1942, his regiment was recalled from the front to master a new type of American fighter, the P-39N Airacobra. During training, Pokryshkin often disagreed with the new regiment commander, Isaev, who did not accept Pokryshkin's criticism of Soviet military aviation doctrine.
Uncompromising defense of his tactical innovations and sharp objections to the regiment commander in 1942 led to Pokryshkin’s exclusion from the lists of the regiment and from the party. Only the intervention of higher command saved him from the tribunal.
In January 1943, the 16th Guards Aviation Regiment was sent abroad to Iran to receive new equipment. The regiment returned to the front on April 8, 1943. During his first flight on the new Airacobra aircraft, Pokryshkin shot down a Bf-109. The next day, April 9, he was able to confirm 2 more of the 7 aircraft he shot down. In total, during this period, Pokryshkin chalked up ten Bf-109s shot down. Pokryshkin received his first title of Hero of the Soviet Union on April 24, 1943, and was awarded the rank of major in June.
American "Airacobra" on which Pokryshkin fought
In 1943, Pokryshkin fought in the Kuban against the famous German fighter aircraft. His new tactics for air policing, such as the “high-speed swing”, “Kuban whatnot” and the use of ground-based radars, as well as an advanced ground control system, brought the Soviet Air Force its first big victory over the Luftwaffe.
In most sorties, Pokryshkin took on the most difficult task - to shoot down the leader. As he understood from the experience of 1941-1942, knocking out a leader meant demoralizing the enemy and often thereby forcing him to return to his airfield. Pokryshkin received the second star of the Hero of the Soviet Union on August 24, 1943.
He became the first three times Hero of the Soviet Union in the country. And the only one - during the war years.
In total, during the war years, Pokryshkin made 650 sorties, conducted 156 air battles, shot down 59 enemy aircraft personally and 6 in a group. Of his 65 official victories, only 6 were won in the last two years of the war.
So why were the Germans so afraid of Pokryshkin, since he seemed to have shot down less than some Luftwaffe aces? The point is that German aces They were not always, to put it mildly, modest, and in the fact that not all of Pokryshkin’s victories were taken into account.
During 1941, Pokryshkin won 15 more official victories, which were not included in his total score. The reason for this was the destruction of documents from the headquarters of the fighter aviation regiment during the retreat. Alexander Ivanovich himself said on this occasion that these uncounted planes would still go to the general account of the Victory.
In addition, the unofficial list of his victories (like that of all Red Army pilots) may in fact be much larger, since in the Order of the USSR NKO No. 0299 “On the procedure for awarding the flight personnel of the Red Army Air Force for good combat work and measures to combat hidden desertion among individual pilots” dated August 19, 1941, the following was said:
The number of downed aircraft is established in each individual case by the testimony of a fighter pilot at the site where the downed enemy aircraft fell and confirmation by the commanders of ground units or by the establishment on the ground of the crash site of the downed enemy aircraft by the regiment command.
At a meeting at the Air Army Headquarters, which took place after intense fighting in the Kuban, Pokryshkin criticized this order:
“In his speech, he spoke about the advisability of intercepting enemy bombers on their flight route to the target in order to prevent attacks on our ground forces. He gave examples of my eight intercepting large groups of enemy bombers deep behind enemy lines. Unfortunately, destroyed equipment is not counted towards us. An order issued at the beginning of the war established that downed enemy aircraft must be confirmed by our ground forces or recorded by a film machine gun. How can advanced units see an air battle if we are fighting twenty to thirty kilometers behind enemy lines? Our industry still produces aircraft without film machine guns. For example, in the Myskhako area we had to conduct the main battles over the sea, fifty kilometers west of Novorossiysk. The downed enemy vehicles were clearly visible to the shooters of the bombers we were escorting. But their data does not confirm victory in an air battle. I asked on behalf of the fighter pilots to change this order.”
Subsequently, in NKO order No. 0489 of June 17, 1942, these comments were taken into account:
“Payment for downed enemy aircraft should be made in cases where this is confirmed by ground troops, photographs or a report from several crews.”
Pokryshkin also often gave the planes he shot down to the accounts of his subordinates (mostly wingmen), thus stimulating them. This was quite common. He tried to support his subordinates and emphasize that in battle, victory depends on the coherence of the actions of all participants.
The stars no longer fit on the fuselage
The legendary battle of April 29, 1943 is widely known. Then the eight “airacobras” led by Pokryshkin scattered and turned back three echelons of Yu-87 (81 aircraft). In addition, they were covered by ten Me - 109. One pair pinned down enemy fighters, the other six with a “falcon strike” through a powerful fire barrier (the gunners of 27 bombers sent more than 400 bullets per second towards them), twice repeating a mathematically calculated maneuver with a variable dive profile and a sharp going up, she shot 12 Junkers (four of them were Pokryshkin).
Four against 50, three against 23, alone against 8 Pokryshkin entered the battle. And I never knew defeat. Moreover, in every battle he took upon himself the most dangerous thing - the attack of the leader of the German groups. This happened back in 1941-1942, when, with sometimes a tenfold quantitative superiority of the Germans in the air the only way The victory over the ace commander turned the tide of the battle. This immediately deprived the enemy of control and confidence. The Siberian hero, who endured overloads unimaginable for most pilots, and was omnipresent in the sky (“How many of them are there, Pokryshkins?!” - the desperate cry of a German pilot once reached the regimental radio) in addition to brilliant personal victories, became the author of the main tactical techniques and formations of his regiment. This tactic, noticed and appreciated after the impressive successes of the regiment, became the basis of the actions of Soviet fighter aircraft from 1943, ensuring its superiority over the enemy.
Pokryshkin created his own system for training aces. He attached particular importance to combat friendship and teamwork in squadrons. More than once Pokryshkin left a German plane already caught in his sights to save his pilot who was in danger. Until the end of his days, he was most proud of the fact that not one of those whom he led into battle died through his fault...
Pokryshkin and Levitan
Pokryshkin at the Victory Parade in 1945
Post-war fate was outwardly prosperous. Until the late 1950s, he flew the latest jet fighters. He graduates from two military academies with gold medals. The corps and armies he commanded become the best. However, from the post of Deputy Air Defense Commander-in-Chief, Pokryshkin was sent to lead voluntary society assistance to the army, aviation and navy (DOSAAF). And this organization (now ROSTO) developed powerfully under Pokryshkin.
In 1972, Alexander Ivanovich was awarded the rank of air marshal. But, according to Hero of the Soviet Union, who knew Pokryshkin well, Air Marshal I.I. Pstygo: “His life was not only heroic, but also martyrdom. That’s right. He lived under a heavy burden of envy... My deep conviction is that the capabilities of Alexander Ivanovich, his statesmanship were less than half in demand. He would have been a brilliant commander-in-chief of the Air Force and Air Defense, he would be an excellent minister of defense... And, if necessary, even higher..."
Alexander Ivanovich, without hesitation, spoke the “truth” to both Vasily Stalin and the Air Defense Commander-in-Chief, Marshal P.F. Batitsky, and L.I. Brezhnev... Therefore, Pokryshkin’s post-war fate was not nearly as brilliant as it could have been.
Evgeny Shaposhnikov, Air Marshal, Honored Pilot of Russia:
Vasily Stalin, commanding the air force of the Moscow Military District, invited him, like other heroes, to the air army. Pokryshkin refused categorically and even very, so to speak, sharply. I didn’t want to serve under his banner for some moral reasons, because he was a very highly moral person. And such pressure was created in relation to Pokryshkin by other assistants, deputies, and superiors of various kinds that he was forced to go to another branch of the armed forces - to air defense. He graduated from the Frunze Academy, not from the Monin Academy, like many hero pilots. ground forces. And he didn’t become a general right away; for about five years he commanded formations; he had generals subordinate to him, but they didn’t give him assignments. And only in 1953, when all the Stalins left, he became a general.
Everyone who had the opportunity to serve with Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin says that he was a direct, uncompromising person who was at the same time approachable and easy to communicate with.
When the opportunity presented itself, he decisively went to work for DOSAAF, to the position of chairman of the society, and enthusiastically took up military patriotic work.
In December 1972, Pokryshkin was awarded the rank of Air Marshal.
One day he called the Central Committee and asked for his resignation. They objected, persuaded, offered options, but he left his last position on his own.
Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin died on November 13, 1985 in the arms of his inconsolable wife after several days of unconsciousness, when in delirium he called his friends to attack, warned them of danger, and again overtook the hated enemy...
He was buried in Moscow at the Novodevichy cemetery.
March 6 marked the 102nd anniversary of the birth of the legendary Soviet pilot ace Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin, whom all pilots of the Third Reich feared. This post will tell you about the difficult fate of the great pilot who went through the entire war and became an air marshal.
“Achtung! Pokryshkin ist in der Luft!”
“Achtung! Achtung! Pokryshkin is in the air! - since the spring of 1943, German warning posts warned their pilots that there was a Russian ace in the air. His name terrified both young people and Luftwaffe aces. In only three cases did the Germans switch over the air from encrypted messages to clear text: “Achtung! Khir is a partisan!” (“Attention! There are partisans here!”); “Achtung! Hir panzer! (tanks) and “Akhtung! Pokryshkin!
March 19 (March 6, O.S.) marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin, the legendary ace pilot, the second most successful (after Ivan Kozhedub) fighter pilot among the pilots of the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition in World War II.
It is interesting that Alexander Ivanovich was born on the day when the celebration of the “Blessed Heaven” icon takes place - this is the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, according to legend, brought to Moscow from Lithuania by the wife of Grand Duke Vasily I, Sofia Vitovtovna, as a parental blessing. The title goes back to the text of the Mother of God of the 1st hour (written on the icon inside the edge of the radiance): “What shall we call Thee, O Blessed One? Heaven, as if you have risen as the Sun of Truth.”
There is something significant about this coincidence. The sky really was fertile for Pokryshkin.
August 19, 1944 A.I. Pokryshkin becomes three times Hero of the Soviet Union. The first and only one during the war years (G.K. Zhukov and I.N. Kozhedub were awarded the third Gold Stars after May 9, 1945). Alexander Ivanovich was also awarded one of the highest awards in the United States - the Medal for Distinguished Service.
Pokryshkin went through the war from the first to the last day. He did not leave the battles from June 22, 1941 to August 1942. He later said: “Those who did not fight in 1941-1942 do not know the real war.”
He was shot down twice and escaped from encirclement. At least ten times only a miracle saved the pilot from death: bullets hit the sight, the headset earpiece, and scratched his chin. “I will never hide from the enemy and I will remain alive. I have always followed this,” said Pokryshkin. In 1944, he refused his general position at the Air Force headquarters and returned to the front.
Pokryshkin is the creator of new tactics for Soviet fighter aviation, as well as a system for commissioning young pilots. There were only two analysts of this level among our and German aces - Alexander Pokryshkin and Werner Mölders (died in a plane crash in 1941). Surprisingly, they were not just the same age, but were born almost on the same day: Pokryshkin - 6 (19 according to the new century), Mölders - March 18, 1913.
During the Great Patriotic War, Pokryshkin became the author of the famous air combat formula: “altitude - speed - maneuver - fire.”
Among the names of military pilots, the name of Pokryshkin stands apart. Having one of the highest official results in the number of aerial victories, he was the author, guide and bearer of new tactical formations and air combat techniques, an unbending fighter against routine, an example of a fighter - skillful, fierce and noble.
Natural wisdom, honesty, strength of character and, as a consequence, high civic courage distinguished the actions of this man and determined the greatness and adversity of his inspired destiny.
A fighter, purposeful and active, looking for his own path, not in a hurry to carry out ill-conceived orders, an excellent organizer of group air combat and, as time has shown, air warfare, Pokryshkin was very inconvenient to many superiors. Initiative and independence do not always find recognition, and during the hard times of war they cost the ace a lot of strength. At the same time, Pokryshkin was not ambitious, as evidenced by his refusal in February 1944 from a high position at the Air Force headquarters and from the immediate rank of general's shoulder straps.
Despite his outward sternness, as a true pilot, he was characterized by balanced and precise humor; he himself loved jokes, was not offended by witticisms directed at himself, and appreciated comedians. By nature, Pokryshkin was very reserved and delicate. Companions and relatives testified that swearing in his mouth was impossible under any circumstances: not in the excitement of an air battle, not when other people made mistakes, not during domestic troubles.
The author of the popular formula: altitude - speed - maneuver - fire - Pokryshkin on the ground was very restrained and taciturn, able to express his thoughts clearly and concisely. No one ever heard abuse from his lips, and the pilot’s honesty and integrity often caused conflicts with his superiors.
In the late winter of 1942, his regiment was recalled from the front to master a new type of American fighter, the P-39N Airacobra. During training, Pokryshkin often disagreed with the new regiment commander, Isaev, who did not accept Pokryshkin's criticism of Soviet military aviation doctrine.
Uncompromising defense of his tactical innovations and sharp objections to the regiment commander in 1942 led to Pokryshkin’s exclusion from the lists of the regiment and from the party. Only the intervention of higher command saved him from the tribunal.
In January 1943, the 16th Guards Aviation Regiment was sent abroad to Iran to receive new equipment. The regiment returned to the front on April 8, 1943. During his first flight on the new Airacobra aircraft, Pokryshkin shot down a Bf-109. The next day, April 9, he was able to confirm 2 more of the 7 aircraft he shot down. In total, during this period, Pokryshkin chalked up ten Bf-109s shot down. Pokryshkin received his first title of Hero of the Soviet Union on April 24, 1943, and was awarded the rank of major in June.
5Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin - the thunderstorm of the pilots of the Third Reich (11 photos)
In 1943, Pokryshkin fought in the Kuban against the famous German fighter aircraft. His new tactics for air policing, such as the “high-speed swing”, “Kuban whatnot” and the use of ground-based radars, as well as an advanced ground control system, brought the Soviet Air Force its first big victory over the Luftwaffe.
In most sorties, Pokryshkin took on the most difficult task - to shoot down the leader. As he understood from the experience of 1941-1942, knocking out a leader meant demoralizing the enemy and often thereby forcing him to return to his airfield. Pokryshkin received the second star of the Hero of the Soviet Union on August 24, 1943.
He became the first three times Hero of the Soviet Union in the country. And the only one - during the war years.
In total, during the war years, Pokryshkin made 650 sorties, conducted 156 air battles, shot down 59 enemy aircraft personally and 6 in a group. Of his 65 official victories, only 6 were won in the last two years of the war.
So why were the Germans so afraid of Pokryshkin, since he seemed to have shot down less than some Luftwaffe aces? The point is that the German aces were not always, to put it mildly, modest, and that not all of Pokryshkin’s victories were taken into account.
During 1941, Pokryshkin won 15 more official victories, which were not included in his total score. The reason for this was the destruction of documents from the headquarters of the fighter aviation regiment during the retreat. Alexander Ivanovich himself said on this occasion that these uncounted planes would still go to the general account of the Victory.
In addition, the unofficial list of his victories (like that of all Red Army pilots) may in fact be much larger, since in the Order of the USSR NKO No. 0299 “On the procedure for awarding the flight personnel of the Red Army Air Force for good combat work and measures to combat hidden desertion among individual pilots” dated August 19, 1941, the following was said:
The number of downed aircraft is established in each individual case by the testimony of a fighter pilot at the site where the downed enemy aircraft fell and confirmation by the commanders of ground units or by the establishment on the ground of the crash site of the downed enemy aircraft by the regiment command.
At a meeting at the Air Army Headquarters, which took place after intense fighting in the Kuban, Pokryshkin criticized this order:
“In his speech, he spoke about the advisability of intercepting enemy bombers on their flight route to the target in order to prevent attacks on our ground forces. He gave examples of my eight intercepting large groups of enemy bombers deep behind enemy lines. Unfortunately, destroyed equipment is not counted towards us. An order issued at the beginning of the war established that downed enemy aircraft must be confirmed by our ground forces or recorded by a film machine gun. How can advanced units see an air battle if we are fighting twenty to thirty kilometers behind enemy lines? Our industry still produces aircraft without film machine guns. For example, in the Myskhako area we had to conduct the main battles over the sea, fifty kilometers west of Novorossiysk. The downed enemy vehicles were clearly visible to the shooters of the bombers we were escorting. But their data does not confirm victory in an air battle. I asked on behalf of the fighter pilots to change this order.”
Subsequently, in NKO order No. 0489 of June 17, 1942, these comments were taken into account:
“Payment for downed enemy aircraft should be made in cases where this is confirmed by ground troops, photographs or a report from several crews.”
Pokryshkin also often gave the planes he shot down to the accounts of his subordinates (mostly wingmen), thus stimulating them. This was quite common. He tried to support his subordinates and emphasize that in battle, victory depends on the coherence of the actions of all participants.
The stars no longer fit on the fuselage
The legendary battle of April 29, 1943 is widely known. Then the eight “airacobras” led by Pokryshkin scattered and turned back three echelons of Yu-87 (81 aircraft). In addition, they were covered by ten Me - 109. One pair pinned down enemy fighters, the other six with a “falcon strike” through a powerful fire barrier (the gunners of 27 bombers sent more than 400 bullets per second towards them), twice repeating a mathematically calculated maneuver with a variable dive profile and a sharp going up, she shot 12 Junkers (four of them were Pokryshkin).
Four against 50, three against 23, alone against 8 Pokryshkin entered the battle. And I never knew defeat. Moreover, in every battle he took upon himself the most dangerous thing - the attack of the leader of the German groups. This happened back in 1941-1942, when, with sometimes a tenfold numerical superiority of the Germans in the air, the only way to turn the tide of the battle was to defeat the ace commander. This immediately deprived the enemy of control and confidence. The Siberian hero, who endured overloads unimaginable for most pilots, and was omnipresent in the sky (“How many of them are there, Pokryshkins?!” - the desperate cry of a German pilot once reached the regimental radio) in addition to brilliant personal victories, became the author of the main tactical techniques and formations of his regiment. This tactic, noticed and appreciated after the impressive successes of the regiment, became the basis of the actions of Soviet fighter aircraft from 1943, ensuring its superiority over the enemy.
Pokryshkin created his own system for training aces. He attached particular importance to combat friendship and teamwork in squadrons. More than once Pokryshkin left a German plane already caught in his sights to save his pilot who was in danger. Until the end of his days, he was most proud of the fact that not one of those whom he led into battle died through his fault...
8Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin - the thunderstorm of the pilots of the Third Reich (11 photos)
Pokryshkin and Levitan
Alexander Pokryshkin is a shining example of heroism and patriotism. This Soviet pilot ace became the first three times Hero of the Soviet Union and rose to the rank of Marshal of the USSR Aviation.
short biography
Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin was born March 6, 1913 in Novonikolaevsk (modern Novosibirsk). His parents were factory workers. Since childhood, Alexander devoted a lot of time to study.
From the age of 12, Sasha was passionate about aviation. He watched with admiration the flights of the first airplanes.
Study period
After Alexander Pokryshkin graduated from 7-year school in 1928, he got a job in construction. After 2 years he entered Novosibirsk Technical School, where he studied the profession of a metalworker.
After another 1.5 years, Alexander studied at the evening department of the Institute of Agricultural Engineering. In parallel with his studies, he worked as a toolmaker at a factory. "Sibkombinatstroy".
Beginning of service in the Red Army
In summer 1932 Alexander Pokryshkin voluntarily enlisted in the Red Army. In his first year of service, he studied at the Perm Aviation School to become an aircraft technician.
Then he took advanced training courses technical staff Red Army Air Force named after K. E. Voroshilov at the 1st military school aircraft technicians in Leningrad.
At the end of 1934, Alexander became senior aviation technician air communications unit of the 74th Infantry Division of the North Caucasus Military District (Krasnodar) and remained in this position until November 1938.
During this period, he proposed several improvements to the ShKAS machine gun and a number of other weapons.
Service during the Great Patriotic War
Alexander Pokryshkin went through the entire war: from June 22, 1941 to May 9, 1945. Due to its proximity to the border, its airfield was bombed on the first day of the war.
First year of the war
In battle on June 26, 1941, he won his first victory, shooting down a fighter during reconnaissance. Messerschmitt Bf.109. On July 3, having won another victory, he was hit by a German anti-aircraft gun behind the front line and spent four days making his way to his unit.
During the first weeks of the war, Pokryshkin, seeing how outdated the Soviet Air Force's tactics were, began jotting down his ideas in a notebook. He carefully recorded all the details of the air battles in which he and his friends participated, and made a detailed analysis.
By mid-November 1941, the ace pilot completed 190 combat missions, including the vast majority - 144 sorties - to attack enemy ground forces. In June-December 1941, he shot down 2 German aircraft personally and 1 in a group.
1942
Since 1942, Pokryshkin served on the Southern and North Caucasian fronts. He was in a very difficult relationship with the new regiment commander N.V. Isaev. The latter did not accept Pokryshkin’s criticism of the outdated tactics of Soviet fighter aviation at all.
A series of their conflicts led to the fact that Alexander was first removed from his post, then expelled from the party, and from a skirmish that took place in the flight mess with officers of a neighboring regiment “blinded” a case against him, which was sent for consideration to a military tribunal in Baku.
Only the intercession of the regiment commissar and superior officers saved the combat pilot. The case was dropped, and he himself was reinstated in the party and in his position.
For 1942 A.I. Pokryshkin shot down 1 German plane personally and 1 in a group.
1943
On April 9, 1943, during his first flight on the new Airacobra aircraft with tail number “100”, Pokryshkin shot down a Bf.109.
In air battles in the Kuban against the famous German fighter aircraft, Alexander Ivanovich showed himself in all his brilliance talent of a skilled air fighter and masters of tactics.
His new air policing tactics, such as "speed swing", "Kuban bookcase", and the use of ground-based radars, as well as an advanced ground control system, brought the Soviet Air Force its first major victory over the Luftwaffe.
Knock down the leader
In most missions, Pokryshkin took on the most difficult task - knock down the leader. As he understood from the experience of 1941-1942, knocking out the leader meant demoralizing the enemy and often thereby forcing him to return to his airfield.
In April 1943, he shot down 10 German planes. At the same time Pokryshkin received his first title Hero of the Soviet Union. In May 1943, he shot down 12 aircraft and 2 in June. Pokryshkin received the second star of the Hero of the Soviet Union on August 24, 1943. In the air battle in Kuban, he personally shot down 22 enemy aircraft, many of his students became aces, and Pokryshkin gained all-Union fame. By the end of 1943, he had completed 550 combat missions, conducted 137 air battles, and shot down 53 enemy aircraft.
1944
In February 1944, the hero pilot received a promotion and an offer to continue serving in Main Headquarters of the Red Army Air Force- manage the training of new pilots. But a combat pilot rejected this proposal and remained in his regiment.
From the beginning of May 1944 - again in battles on the 2nd Ukrainian and from July - on the 1st Ukrainian front. In June 1944 Pokryshkin received the rank of colonel and took command of the 9th Guards Air Division.
Three times Hero of the USSR
On August 19, 1944, after 550 combat missions and 53 official victories, Pokryshkin was awarded Golden Star of Hero of the Soviet Union for the third time. He became the first three times Hero of the Soviet Union in the country.
1945
In 1945, Colonel Alexander Pokryshkin commanded the division during various offensive operations. The division under his command received the honorary name “Berlin” and was awarded three orders. Pokryshkin himself performed his last combat mission on April 30, 1945. He took part in the 1945 Victory Parade as a standard bearer of the 1st Ukrainian Front.
In the USSR it was officially believed that during the war years Pokryshkin committed 650 sorties, carried out 156 air battles, shot down 59 enemy aircraft personally and 6 in a group.