Kozhedub Ivan Nikitovich is the most successful military pilot of the Great Patriotic War. Subsequently, he was an air marshal, three times Hero of the Soviet Union, awarded 14 Soviet and 6 foreign orders, Soviet and foreign medals. During the Great Patriotic War, he made 330 combat missions, conducted 120 air battles, and personally shot down 62 enemy aircraft. According to official data I.N. Kozhedub - the most successful Soviet fighter pilot.
The future pilot was born on July 6, 1922 in the village of Obrazheevka, Sumy region, becoming the fifth child in a poor peasant family. Graduated from the workers' department of the Shostinsky Chemical-Technological College. In 1938 he joined the flying club, where in April 1939 he made his first flight. Then, at the beginning of 1940, he entered the Chuguev Military Aviation School, after which he remained there to work as an instructor. Since the beginning of the war, I.N. Kozhedub repeatedly wrote reports about being sent to the front, but his requests were granted only in the fall of 1942, when I.N. Kozhedub was sent to Moscow, and then to the 240th Fighter Aviation Regiment, which was armed with the latest La-5 fighters.
At the beginning of a military career Ivan Nikitovich were plagued by failures, the pilot was almost transferred to the warning post. Only the intercession of the regiment commander, Major I. Soldatenko, helped him stay in the regiment.
The pilot scored his first victory during his 40th combat mission, shooting down a German dive bomber. Subsequently, I.N. Kozhedub proved himself to be a brave and skillful pilot, in whom audacity was combined with prudence, initiative with diligence. Kozhedub sometimes treated his combat vehicle like a living creature , for him the plane was a friend, and the fighter responded in kind: during the war years the pilot never had to jump with a parachute.
In September 1944, Kozhedub was transferred to the 176th “Marshal” Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, where many famous military pilots were gathered. As part of this regiment he ended the war. Among many types of German aircraft, Ivan Nikitovich’s account includes the Me-262 jet fighter, which he shot down on April 19, 1945 over the Oder.
After the war I.N. Kozhedub graduated from the Air Force Academy and was appointed to command the 326th Fighter Aviation Division. During the Korean War from March 1951 to February 1952. Kozhedub's division scored 215 victories, losing 52 aircraft and 10 pilots. True, Kozhedub himself did not participate in combat missions due to a strict command ban. Upon returning home, Kozhedub graduated from the General Staff Academy and held a number of high command positions in the Air Force, including command of aviation in the Moscow Military District. In 1985 N.I. Kozhedub was awarded the rank of air marshal.
Name: Ivan Kozhedub
Age: 71 years old
Activity: military leader, ace pilot, deputy, three times Hero of the Soviet Union
Family status: was married
Ivan Kozhedub: biography
Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub - three times Hero of the Soviet Union, Air Marshal, Soviet military leader and a participant in the Great Patriotic War. The pilot has shot down dozens of enemy aircraft.
Childhood and youth
On June 8, 1920, the future pilot Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was born. The boy grew up in a peasant family, where his father served as a church elder. Ivan spent his childhood and youth in the Glukhov district of the Chernigov province, which was later renamed the Shostkinsky district of the Sumy region of Ukraine.
At the age of 14, Kozhedub received a matriculation certificate, after which he went to the city of Shostka. The young man submitted documents to the Chemical Technology College, passed the necessary tests, after which he was enrolled as a student in educational institution.
Ivan was drawn to aviation from teenage years, so while studying at the technical school I began to study at the flying club. In 1940, a new line appeared in Kozhedub’s biography – the Red Army. The young man reincarnated as a soldier.
At the same time, Ivan completed his training at the Chuguev Military Aviation Pilot School. Airplanes fascinated Kozhedub, so the guy decided to stay here as an instructor.
Military service
In 1941, Ivan Kozhedub’s life was divided into two eras: before and after the war. With the teaching staff of the aviation school, the young man ended up in Chimkent (now Shymkent). This city is located on the territory of Kazakhstan. Soon Ivan was awarded the rank of senior sergeant, and a few months later Kozhedub was transferred to the 240th fighter regiment of the 302nd fighter aviation division, which was stationed in Ivanovo. A year later, the pilot ended up on the Voronezh Front.
Here Ivan's plane takes off, but the first pancake turned out to be lumpy. The La-5 on which Kozhedub was traveling was damaged. Only the back made of impenetrable material allowed the pilot to save his life. The plane was completely destroyed, but the skill of the pilot allowed it to land on the runway. It was not possible to restore the single-engine fighter.
Due to the lack of aircraft, they tried to transfer Kozhedub to a warning post, but the immediate commander came to the soldier’s defense. Already in the summer of 1943, Ivan received another star and began to bear the rank of junior lieutenant. Thanks to these changes, the pilot rose through the ranks to deputy squadron commander.
Ivan proved his loyalty to the Fatherland every day, rising into the sky and defending the Russian land. On July 6, 1943, the battle began on Kursk Bulge. This time Kozhedub soared into the blue sky for the 40th time. The pilot celebrated his anniversary by shooting down a German bomber. A day later, the pilot reported another aircraft that he had shot down. On July 9, 2 enemy fighters came under fire.
La-7 fighter by Ivan Kozhedub For such achievements, Ivan received the rank of lieutenant and Hero of the Soviet Union. In 1944, Kozhedub switched to the unique La-5FN aircraft. The aircraft was created with a donation from a beekeeper from the Stalingrad region V.V. Koneva. At the same time, the pilot was awarded the rank of captain and transferred to the position of deputy commander of the 176th Guards Regiment. From now on, the serviceman was lifted into the sky by a brand new La-7 fighter. Kozhedub has 330 combat missions and 62 downed aircraft.
The Great War has ended for Ivan Patriotic War April 17, 1945. The pilot celebrated victory already in Berlin. Here the man was awarded another Gold Star medal. This award was awarded to those people who showed courage, courage and high military skill. Among the main features of Kozhedub, one can highlight the desire to take risks. The pilot preferred to open fire at close range.
Later, Ivan Nikitovich will write an autobiography in which he will tell that in 1945, shortly before the end of hostilities, two “Americans” were on the tail of the plane. US military personnel perceived Kozhedub as an enemy, so they began to fire at the Soviet aircraft. They themselves suffered: Ivan did not plan to die, but, on the contrary, dreamed of setting foot on earth again. As a result, the Americans died.
The feats that Ivan Nikitovich accomplished during the war years cannot be underestimated. More than once Kozhedub found himself in unpleasant situations from which any other pilot could not have escaped. But the pilot emerged victorious from the battles every time. The man landed virtually destroyed fighters and remained alive.
Kozhedub did not want to leave the service after the end of the Great Patriotic War, so he remained in the service in the Air Force. For further advancement, Ivan Nikitovich needed to receive higher education, so the pilot entered the Red Banner Air Force Academy. Gradually, aircraft manufacturing plants began to create unique designs. Kozhedub took to the air and tested aircraft.
So in 1948, Ivan Nikitovich tested the MiG-15 jet. After 8 years, fate brought the pilot to the Military Academy General Staff. It's time new war, which took place in Korea. The commander could not leave the 324th Fighter Aviation Division without leadership, so he went with the soldiers to another country. Thanks to Kozhedub’s skills, 9 pilots were killed in the war during the year, and 216 air victories were won.
After returning from Korea, he took the post of deputy commander of the Air Force of the Moscow Military District. He left this position in 1971 due to his transfer to the central office of the Air Force. 7 years later, Ivan Nikitovich found himself in the Group of Inspectors General of the USSR Ministry of Defense. In 1985, Kozhedub received the rank of Air Marshal.
Besides love for military service, Ivan Nikitovich had a different direction of activity. This is politics. Once Kozhedub was elected as a people's deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of the II-V convocations.
Personal life
Born in 1928 future wife Ivana Kozheduba Veronika Nikolaevna. The serviceman preferred not to talk about how the young people met and how a romantic relationship began between them.
In the post-war years, a daughter was born into the family of the Hero of the Soviet Union, who was named Natalya. Later, the girl gave her parents a grandson, Vasily Vitalievich. Now the man works in a medical institution in Moscow.
In 1952, the Kozhedubs again had a new addition. This time a son was born. The boy received the name Nikita. The young man followed in his father’s footsteps, but not to a flight school, but to a nautical school. During his service, Nikita married a girl named Olga Fedorovna. In 1982, a girl, Anna, was born to the newly-made family. In 2002, the death of captain 3rd rank of the USSR Navy was announced.
Death
On August 8, 1991, the relatives of Ivan Kozhedub announced that the Hero of the Soviet Union had died. The official cause of death was given as a heart attack. The Novodevichy Cemetery, located in Moscow, was chosen for the pilot’s burial.
The pilot was removed for the anniversary documentary"Secrets of the century. Two Wars of Ivan Kozhedub,” which was presented to the viewer in 2010. During the filming of the film they used personal notes, diaries and even family archives pilot, including photo. Main role played by Russian actor Sergei Larin. It is interesting that Ivan Nikitovich’s granddaughter Anna reincarnated as the wife of the famous hero.
Awards
- 1943, 1945, 1951, 1968, 1970 – Knight of the Order of the Red Banner
- 1944, 1945 – Hero of the Soviet Union
- 1944, 1978 – Knight of the Order of Lenin
- 1945 – Knight of the Order of Alexander Nevsky
- 1955 – Knight of the Order of the Red Star
- 1975 – Knight of the Order “For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR”, III degree
- 1985 – Knight of the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree
- 1990 – Knight of the Order “For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR”, II degree
Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub is a famous pilot ace of World War II, the most successful fighter pilot in Allied aviation (64 personal victories). Thrice hero Soviet Union. He took part in hostilities from 1943 to 1945, making all his combat missions on fighters designed by Lavochkin - La-5 and La-7. During the entire war he was never shot down. At the end of the war, he continued to serve in the Air Force, remaining an active pilot and mastering the MiG-15 jet fighter. Graduated from the Red Banner Air Force Academy, in 1985 he was awarded the pilot military rank air marshal.
Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was born on June 8, 1920 into a peasant family in the small Ukrainian village of Obrazhievka, Shostkinsky district, Sumy region. Subsequently he graduated from the Chemical Technology College and the Shostka Aero Club. He entered the Red Army in 1940. In 1941 he graduated from the Chuguev Military Aviation School of Pilots, where he served as an instructor. With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, Ivan Kozhedub, along with the aviation school, was evacuated to Central Asia. After submitting numerous reports asking to be sent to the front, his wish was granted. In November 1942, Sergeant Ivan Kozhedub arrived at the disposal of the 240th Fighter Aviation Regiment (IAP) of the emerging 302nd Fighter Aviation Division. In March 1943, parts of the division were sent to the Voronezh Front.
The future ace and Hero of the Soviet Union made his first combat mission on March 26, the flight ended unsuccessfully: his La-5 fighter (airborne number 75) was damaged in battle, and upon returning to the airfield it was also fired upon by its own anti-aircraft artillery. With great difficulty, the pilot was able to bring the car to the airfield and land. After that, I flew old fighters for about a month until I received the new La-5 again.
The ace pilot opened his combat account of his victories on July 6, 1943 at the Kursk Bulge, shooting down a Ju-87 dive bomber. The very next day, Kozhedub won a second aerial victory, shooting down another Ju-87, and in an air battle on July 9 he was able to shoot down 2 German Me-109 fighters at once. Already in August 1943, Ivan Kozhedub became squadron commander. The first title of Hero of the Soviet Union with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal was received by the squadron commander of the 240th IAP, Senior Lieutenant Ivan Kozhedub, on February 4, 1944 for 146 combat missions, in which he shot down 20 German aircraft.
Since May 1944, Kozhedub fought on a new modification of the Lavochkin fighter - La-5FN (board number 14), which was built with money from the collective farmer of the Stalingrad region V.V. Koneva. Just a few days after receiving it, he shoots down a Ju-87 with it. Over the next six days, the ace pilot chalked up 7 more enemy aircraft. At the end of June he transfers his fighter to K.A. Evstigneev (later twice Hero of the Soviet Union), and he himself transferred to the training regiment. But already in August, Ivan Kozhedub was appointed deputy commander of the 176th Guards Regiment of the IAP. At the same time, the regiment is undergoing a rearmament procedure, receiving new La-7 fighters. The ace pilot received a plane with tail number 27. Ivan Kozhedub would fly it until the very end of the war.
The second Gold Star medal of the Guard, Captain Ivan Kozhedub, was awarded on August 19, 1944 for 256 combat missions, in which he personally shot down 48 German aircraft. Once, during an air battle on a La-7 fighter, which was passing over enemy territory, Kozhedub’s plane was shot down. The engine of the car stalled and Ivan Kozhedub, in order not to surrender to the Germans, chose a target for himself on the ground and began to dive on it. When there was very little left to the ground, the fighter’s engine suddenly started working again and Kozhedub was able to pull the car out of the dive and returned safely to the airfield.
On February 12, 1945, Ivan Kozhedub paired with his wingman Lieutenant V.A. Gromakovsky patrolled the space above the front line, being in “free hunting” mode. Having discovered a group of 13 FW-190 fighters, Soviet pilots immediately attacked them, shooting down 5 German fighters. Three of them were chalked up by Ivan Kozhedub, two by Gromakovsky. On February 15, 1945, in a flight over the Oder, Kozhedub was able to shoot down a German Me-262 jet fighter flown by non-commissioned officer K. Lange from I./KG(J)54.
By the end of the Great Patriotic War, Guard Major Ivan Kozhedub completed 330 combat missions and conducted 120 air battles, shooting down 64 enemy aircraft. This number does not include 2 American P-51 Mustang fighters, which the Soviet ace shot down in the spring of 1945. At the same time, the Americans were the first to attack the La-7 fighter, which was flown by the Soviet pilot. According to an American pilot who survived this air battle, they confused Kozhedub’s La-7 with a German FW-190 fighter and attacked him. Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub received the third “Golden Star” after the war for high military skill, personal courage and bravery.
Among the enemy aircraft shot down by Ivan Kozhedub were:
21 FW-190 fighters;
18 Me-109 fighters;
18 Ju-87 bombers;
3 Hs-129 attack aircraft;
2 He-111 bombers;
1 PZL P-24 fighter (Romanian);
1 Me-262 jet aircraft.
La-5 and La-5FN
La-5 is a single-engine wooden low-wing aircraft. Like the LaGG-3 fighter, the main structural material used in the aircraft's airframe was pine. Delta wood was used to produce some of the wing frames and spars. The wooden parts of the aircraft skin were glued together using special urea KM-1 or VIAM-B-3 resin glue.
The aircraft wing, composed of NACA-23016 and NACA-23010 profiles, was technologically divided into a center section and 2 two-spar consoles, which had a working plywood skin. The main landing gear was connected to the metal pipe using an end rib. Between the center section spars there were caissons for gas tanks, made of plywood, and in the bow there were domes for the landing gear wheels.
The plane's spars were made of wood with special shelves made of delta wood (on fighters of the La-5FN modification, starting in 1944, metal spars were mounted.) The consoles with plywood sheathing were joined by automatic slats, Frize-type ailerons with a duralumin frame, sheathed with percale and Schrenk-type flaps. The left aileron had a trimmer.
The fuselage of the fighter consisted of a wooden monocoque made as one piece with the keel and a forward metal truss. The frame consisted of 15 frames and 4 spars. The fuselage of the fighter was tightly fastened to the center section with 4 steel units. The pilot's cabin was covered with a plexiglass sliding canopy, which could be locked in the closed and open positions. On the frame behind the back of the pilot's seat there was an armor plate 8.5 mm thick.
The stabilizer is two-spar, completely wooden with plywood working skin, the tail is cantilever. The stabilizer of the vehicle consists of 2 halves, which were attached to the power elements of the tail section of the vehicle. The elevator with trimmer had a duralumin frame, which was covered with canvas and, like the stabilizer, consisted of two halves. Control of the fighter was mixed: elevators and yaws using cables, ailerons using rigid rods. The flaps were released and retracted using a hydraulic drive.
The fighter's landing gear was retractable, double-supported with a tail wheel. The main landing gear had oil-pneumatic shock absorbers. The main wheels of the La-5 had dimensions of 650x200 mm and were equipped with air chamber brakes. The freely oriented tail support was also retracted into the fuselage and had a wheel measuring 300 by 125 mm.
The fighter's power plant consisted of a radial air-cooled M-82 engine, which had a maximum power of 1850 hp. and a three-blade variable pitch propeller VISH-105V with a diameter of 3.1 meters. The exhaust pipes were combined into 2 reactive-type manifolds. To regulate the engine temperature, frontal louvers were used, which were located on the front ring of the hood, as well as 2 flaps on the sides of the hood behind the engine. The aircraft engine was started using compressed air. An oil tank with a capacity of 59 liters was located at the junction of the metal truss and the wooden part of the fuselage. Fuel with a volume of 539 liters was in 5 tanks: 3 center section and 2 console.
The fighter's armament consisted of two synchronized 20-mm ShVAK cannons with pneumatic and mechanical reloading. The total ammunition was 340 shells. Used to aim at the target red dot sight PBP-la. On La-5FN model aircraft, wing bomb racks were additionally installed, which were designed to carry bombs weighing up to 100 kg.
In addition to the standard set of control and flight navigation instruments, the fighter's equipment included an oxygen device, a short-wave radio station RSI-4 and a landing light. The oxygen supply was enough for 1.5 hours of flight at an altitude of 8000 m.
The letters FN in the La-5FN markings stood for Forced Direct Fuel Injection and referred to the engine. This aircraft began to enter service with the troops in March 1943. Its ASh-82FN engine developed a maximum power of 1850 hp. and could withstand forced mode for 10 minutes of flight. This version of the La-5 fighter was the fastest. At the ground, the car accelerated to 593 km/h, and at an altitude of 6250 meters it could reach a speed of 648 km/h. In April 1943, a series of air battles between the La-5FN and the captured Bf.109G-2 fighter. Training battles demonstrated the overwhelming superiority of the La-5 in speed at low and medium altitudes, which were the main ones for air battles Eastern Front.
The La-7 was a further modernization of the La-5 fighter and one of the best production aircraft of the end of World War II. This fighter had excellent flight characteristics, high maneuverability and good weapons. At low and medium altitudes, it had an advantage over the last piston fighters of Germany and the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition. The La-7, on which Kozhedub ended the war, is currently in the Central Museum of the Russian Air Force in the village of Monino.
In my own way appearance and the size of the fighter differed very slightly from the La-5. One of the significant differences were the spars, which, like on the latest La-5FN series, were made of metal. At the same time, the skin and ribs of the aircraft remained unchanged. The cross-sectional dimensions of the side members were reduced, which freed up additional space for fuel tanks. The mass of the fighter's spars has been reduced by 100 kg. The aerodynamics of the fighter have improved significantly, this was achieved, in particular, by moving and improving the shape of the radiator. The internal sealing of the aircraft has also been improved by completely eliminating the gaps between the pipes and the holes for them in the fire bulkhead and the cracks in the hood. All these improvements allowed the La-7 to gain an advantage over the La-5 in flight speed, climb rate and maximum ceiling. The maximum speed of the La-7 was 680 km/h.
The La-7 could be armed with two 20-mm ShVAK cannons or 3 20-mm B-20 cannons. The guns had hydromechanical synchronizers that prevented shells from hitting the propeller blades. Most of the La-7, like the La-5, was armed with two ShVAK cannons, which had 200 rounds of ammunition per barrel. The fighter's ammunition included armor-piercing incendiary and fragmentation incendiary shells weighing 96 grams. Armor-piercing incendiary shells at a distance of 100 meters normally pierced armor up to 20 mm thick. bombs weighing up to 100 kg could be suspended on two underwing units of the fighter.
Sources used:
www.warheroes.ru/hero/hero.asp?Hero_id=403
www.airwar.ru/enc/fww2/la5.html
www.airwar.ru/enc/fww2/la7.html
Materials from the free Internet encyclopedia "Wikipedia"
Biography
Ivan Nikittovich Kozhedub - Soviet military leader, ace pilot during the Great Patriotic War, the most successful fighter pilot in Allied aviation (64 victories). Three times Hero of the Soviet Union. Air Marshal (6 May 1985).
Nickname during combat operations as part of the Group of Soviet Military Specialists in Korea - “Krylov”.
Ivan Kozhedub was born in the village of Obrazhievka, Glukhov district, Chernigov province (now Shostkinsky district, Sumy region of Ukraine) in the family of a peasant - a church warden. He belonged to the second generation of Soviet fighter pilots who took part in the Great Patriotic War.
In 1934, Kozhedub graduated from school and entered the Chemical Technology College in the city of Shostka.
He took his first steps in aviation while studying at the Shostka flying club. At the beginning of 1940, he enlisted in the Red Army and in the fall of the same year he graduated from the Chuguev Military Aviation Pilot School, after which he continued to serve there as an instructor.
After the start of the war, he and the aviation school were evacuated to Kazakhstan, the city of Chimkent. On February 23, 1942, Kozhedub was awarded the rank of senior sergeant. In November 1942, Kozhedub was seconded to the 240th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the 302nd Fighter Aviation Division (from July 2, 1944, 14th Guards Fighter Aviation Division), which was being formed in Ivanovo. In March 1943, as part of the division, he flew to the Voronezh Front.
The first air battle ended in failure for Kozhedub and almost became the last - his La-5 was damaged by a cannon fire from a Messerschmitt-109, the armored back saved him from an incendiary shell, and upon returning the plane was fired upon by Soviet anti-aircraft gunners, it was hit by 2 anti-aircraft shells. Despite the fact that Kozhedub managed to land the plane, it could not be fully restored, and the pilot had to fly on the “remnants” - the available aircraft in the squadron. Soon they wanted to take him to the warning post, but the regiment commander stood up for him. At the beginning of the summer of 1943, Kozhedub was awarded the rank of junior lieutenant, then he was appointed to the post of deputy squadron commander. Shortly after this, on July 6, 1943, on the Kursk Bulge, during his fortieth combat mission, Kozhedub shot down his first German bomber Junkers Ju-87. The very next day he shot down the second, and on July 9 he shot down 2 Bf-109 fighters at once. The first title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded to Kozhedub (already a senior lieutenant) on February 4, 1944 for 146 combat missions and 20 downed enemy aircraft.
Since May 1944, Ivan Kozhedub fought on the La-5FN (side number 14), built at the expense of the collective farmer-beekeeper of the Stalingrad region V.V. Konev. In August 1944, having received the rank of captain, he was appointed deputy commander of the 176th Guards Regiment and began to fight on the new La-7 fighter. Kozhedub was awarded the second Gold Star medal on August 19, 1944 for 256 combat missions and 48 downed enemy aircraft.
By the end of the war, Ivan Kozhedub, by that time a guard major, flew the La-7, made 330 combat missions, in 120 air battles shot down 62 enemy aircraft, including 17 Ju-87 dive bombers, 2 Ju-88 and He-111 bombers, 16 Bf-109 and 21 Fw-190 fighters, 3 Hs-129 attack aircraft and 1 Me-262 jet fighter.
Kozhedub fought his last battle in the Great Patriotic War, in which he shot down 2 FW-190s, on April 17, 1945 in the skies over Berlin. Kozhedub received the third Gold Star medal on August 18, 1945 for high military skill, personal courage and bravery shown on the war fronts. He was an excellent shooter and preferred to open fire at a distance of 200-300 meters, rarely approaching at a shorter distance.
In his autobiography, Kozhedub claims that in 1945 he shot down two American P-51 Mustang aircraft of the US Air Force, which attacked him, mistaking him for a German plane.
I.N. Kozhedub was never shot down during the Great Patriotic War, and although he was shot down, he always landed his plane. Kozhedub also has the world's first jet fighter, the German Me-262, which he shot down on February 19, 1945, but he was not the first to do this - back on August 28, 1944, one shot down Me-262 was credited to American pilots M. Croy and J. Myers, and in total, until February 1945, American pilots were officially credited with shooting down about 20 aircraft of this type.
At the end of the war, Kozhedub continued to serve in the Air Force. In 1949 he graduated from the Red Banner Air Force Academy. At the same time, he remained an active fighter pilot, having mastered the MiG-15 jet in 1948. In 1956 he graduated from the Military Academy of the General Staff. During the Korean War, he commanded the 324th Fighter Aviation Division (324th IAD) as part of the 64th Fighter Aviation Corps. From April 1951 to January 1952, the division's pilots scored 216 aerial victories, losing only 27 aircraft (9 pilots died).
From June 1962 to August 1963 - commander of the 76th Air Army. In 1964-1971 - Deputy Commander of the Air Force of the Moscow Military District. Since 1971 he served in the central apparatus of the Air Force, and since 1978 - in the Group of Inspectors General of the USSR Ministry of Defense. In 1970, Kozhedub was awarded the rank of Colonel General of Aviation. And in 1985, I. N. Kozhedub was awarded the military rank of Air Marshal.
He was elected as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of the II-V convocations, and a people's deputy of the USSR.
Died on August 8, 1991. Buried at Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow.
List of aerial victories
In official Soviet historiography, the result of Kozhedub’s combat activities looks like 62 enemy aircraft shot down personally. However, recent archival research has shown that this figure is slightly underestimated - in the award documents (from where it, in fact, was taken), for unknown reasons, two air victories are missing (June 8, 1944 - Me-109 and April 11, 1944 - PZL-24), meanwhile, they were confirmed and officially entered into the pilot’s personal account.
Total aerial victories: 64+0
combat sorties - 330
air battles - 120
According to Channel One, at the end of the Great Patriotic War, American pilots in the action zone Soviet aviation Soviet fighters were shot down. I.N. Kozhedub flew out and personally shot down two American fighters responsible for this act of aggression. In the book by Nikolai Bodrikhin “ Soviet aces“Slightly different circumstances of this episode are given: Kozhedub drove away the German planes attacking him from the American bomber, after which he himself was attacked by an American fighter from a very long distance. Kozhedub shot down two American planes; judging by the words of a surviving American pilot, the Americans mistook Kozhedub’s plane for a German Focke-Wulf with a red nose.
Assignment of military ranks
Sergeant (February 1941),senior sergeant (02/23/1942),
junior lieutenant (05/15/1943), by order No. 0291 on the Voronezh Front
lieutenant (08/05/1943),
senior lieutenant (11/10/1943),
captain (04/24/1944),
major (11/19/1944),
Lieutenant Colonel (01/20/1949),
Colonel (01/3/1951),
Major General of Aviation (3.08.1953),
Lieutenant General of Aviation (04/27/1962),
Colonel General of Aviation (04/29/1970),
Air Marshal (05/07/1985).
Awards
Three times Hero of the Soviet Union (02/04/1944, No. 1472; 08/19/1944, No. 36; 08/18/1945, No. 3).Recipient of two Orders of Lenin (02/04/1944; 02/21/1978).
Knight of the Seven Orders of the Red Banner (07/22/1943, No. 52212; 09/30/1943, No. 4567; 03/29/1945, No. 4108; 06/29/1945, No. 756; 06/02/1951, No. 122; 02/22/1968, No. 23; 26.06. 1970, No. 537483).
Knight of the Order of Alexander Nevsky (07/31/1945, No. 37500).
Knight of the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree (04/06/1985).
Knight of two Orders of the Red Star (06/04/1955; 10/26/1955).
Knight of the Order "For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR" II degree (02/22/1990).
Knight of the Order "For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR" III degree (04/30/1975).
Foreign:
Knight of the Order of the Red Banner (Mongolia).
Knight of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland (GDR).
Knight of the Order of the Renaissance of Poland.
Knight of the Order of the National Flag (DPRK).
Ranks:
Honorary citizen of the cities: Balti, Chuguev, Kaluga, Kupyansk, Sumy, Zvenigorod and others.
Memory
A bronze bust of Kozhedub was installed in his homeland in the village of Obrazhievka.His La-7 (board number 27) is on display at the Air Force Museum in Monino.
A park in the city of Sumy (Ukraine) is named after Ivan Kozhedub; a monument to the pilot is installed near the entrance, as well as a street in the southeast of Moscow (Marshal Kozhedub Street). Also, streets in the cities of Ust-Kamenogorsk, Alma-Ata in Kazakhstan, Salavat, Balashikha, Semiluki (Russian Federation) are named in his honor.
The name of the Three-time Hero of the Soviet Union Ivan Nikitich Kozhedub is borne by the Kharkov Air Force University (formerly KhVVAUL, HIL, KhVU), as well as the Shostka Chemical-Technological College.
On June 8, 2010, in the city of Shostka, in commemoration of Kozhedub’s 90th anniversary, a bust was erected near the Ivan Kozhedub Museum.
On November 12, 2010, a monument to Kozhedub was erected in Kharkov, on the territory of the Kharkov Air Force University.
A documentary film “Secrets of the Century” was shot about Kozhedub. Two wars of Ivan Kozhedub."
In 2010, Ukraine celebrated the 90th anniversary of the hero’s birth at the state level. At the same time, a commemorative coin dedicated to Ivan Kozhedub was issued.
Fast train No. 118/117 between Sumy and Moscow is named after Ivan Kozhedub.
A street in the Aviator microdistrict of the city of Balashikha, Moscow region, is named after Ivan Kozhedub.
A small street in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan is named after Ivan Kozhedub.
A pioneer camp in the Moscow region (Odintsovo district, near Kubinka) is named after Ivan Kozhedub.
The model of the La-5 aircraft, on which I. N. Kozhedub made his first flight from the Urazovsky airfield during the war, was opened in May 1988 in the Belgorod region.
IN 1950s year November 15th late at night at the front door military sanatorium V Kislovodsk the car stopped "Victory". They came out of it two and headed to the sanatorium. Despite on evening time, near 23 hours, the watchman unquestioningly missed it these 2 officers in military uniform blue caps, one of whom asked : « What room did the pilot stay in? Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub? He answered the knock on the door himself master numbers. He was surprised to the visitors who came to him. Officers state security presented documents and said : « Comrade Kozhedub To you urgently you'll have to come with us , you 3 minutes for fees. We will wait ». No longer scared Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub, And his wife because she knew What mean such late visits! So I found myself under convoy security officers, Three times Hero of the Soviet Union, one of the best pilots Great Patriotic War war. When Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub walked up the stairs, he remembered that he was already under arrest, Twice Hero Air Marshal Alexander Alexandrovich Novikov, recently HOW " public Enemies « shot marshal Grigory Ivanovich Kulik, general Philip Trofimovich Rybalchenko, general Vasily Nikolaevich Gordov. When Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was under escort 2 officers state security, he tried not to show his anxiety. He hoped what about him this time? lucky. He recalled that even didn't say goodbye scared wife.
Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was born June 8, 1920 year for Ukraine V Chernigov province, today it is Sumskaya region, in the village Obrazhievka. First 5 post-war years Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub considered one of the most successful In my life ! Firstly, he returned from the war without single injuries. Secondly, I graduated Air Force Academy. Thirdly, his knew and read whole country! In general in life Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub lucky many times, starting with childhood. For example, once he and the boys swam ride on boat during high water in the spring. Boat turned over. Drowned everyone except him. His brother saved having already pulled it out almost from the bottom. On its shore pumped it out! After this incident in my native village, Kozhedub called "bewitched"
IN 1941 year Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub graduated Chuguevskoye Aviation school. At school he was one of the best cadets ! There are always such leave V schools as instructors, preparing something new replenishment Already 2nd it's been a year The Great Patriotic War war. He, of course, wrote reports with requests to send it to front, but that's all answers they consisted of one phrase: “ You cool Instructor ! How do you think, Who must cook new pilots? At first Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was a pilot instructor V Chuguevsky school in the city Chuguev, Kharkov areas. Then in the city Chimkent on south of Kazakhstan, where was the school relocated due to the offensive Germans.
In the end, Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub I achieved my goal. IN February 1943 year he was included in the composition combat squadron, and he ended up in the worst of it - on Kursk Bulge. Then Germans more no doubt in his victory. At that time initiative in hostilities still belonged to the Germans, but still, it was already not June 1941 of the year. By this time our pilots understood well enough style conducting air battle and tricks Germans. They flew to the front line repeatedly V day and already more boldly entered into battle ! Besides direct air German fights diligently bombed our airfields.
First sortie Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub committed March 26, 1943 of the year. First combat mission Kozhedub was take-off protection stripes of our airfield from the bombing. took off as a couple, Kozhedub as a slave, that is, he should cover airplane presenter Slave must protect the leader even if necessary at the cost his life. The presenter took off earlier, next Kozhedub and suddenly the presenter has disappeared out of sight. At first Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub some hesitated but then I decided continue patrolling. At that moment he noticed sun sides 6 german fighters. Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub attacks them ONE. But THERE ARE NO MIRACLES! Germans opened on it sighting fire. AND Kozhedub heard the crack of breaking casing your plane. He survived almost ACCIDENTALLY!
The fact is that fighter "La-5" ( see article "Semyon Alekseevich Lavochkin"), on which he took off Kozhedub, was equipped armored back built in seat pilot IN given case German fighters fired NOT armor-piercing, A high-explosive fragmentation shells that NOT punched armored back ! Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub took the riddled plane to landing, but here on him error opened fire their anti-aircraft gunners. He still managed plant fighter La-5. After landing we counted number of holes on the plane - there were more of them 50 pieces. Nobody sincerely could not understand - like a plane in general didn't fall apart also in air! And you Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub not easy remained alive but in general not received neither single scratches!
Political officer decided to translate Kozhedub V ground service. Actually logics there was such a decision understandable. Firstly, the task security the airfield was not completed. Takeoffs stripes bombed. And on airfield remained wounded. Secondly, Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub lost his presenter And this is already could for the pilot to turn around tribunal. So translation V ground there would still be service soft punishment ! Saved Kozhedub regiment commander major Soldatenkov. It was he, despite the first problem air battle Ivana Nikitovich Kozhedub, saw it in him the makings of a good pilot ! After all, if you figure it out emotionless, plane in IN SUCH CONDITION on BELLY I could plant CLEARLY NOT EVERYONE pilot ! Kozhedub was left behind in the regiment, but fly it turned out to him nothing. That padded the plane on which he emergency landed, was hopelessly lost when will it be new is unknown! Colleagues above him joked: “ Now you Ivan horseless !»
Shame of the first air combat is strong groundwork pride Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub and then he's like the right student started developing OWN TACTICS air combat ! He said that he thought behind car, felt myself seamlessly with her ! In the evening after flights, when many went to rest, he sat down at the table and analyzed air the battle. For him they became clear principles air combat !
During the war years Sergey Kramarenko fought in the same regiment with Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub, and he even had a chance to fly together with Kozhedub. Kramarenko recalled that while other pilots were playing V volleyball, Kozhedub spent hours drawing and figured it out above schemes air combat ! Many even chuckled above “drawing lessons” by Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub. However, when check shot down planes inexorably crawled up, chuckles somehow on their own stopped! At all air battle only from the outside, for ignorant people can seem simple and light. From desires before ability to shoot down the plane must be passed a long way! To win enemy, it is necessary KNOW his STRONG And WEAK sides.
IN DIARIES Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub were scheduled And sketches the technical capabilities of the German airplanes. These are yours Kozhedub diaries scrupulously led with first their air battles every day ! It was his own tactics air battles. As life has shown, Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub in something surpassed many productive German aces ( see article "German fighters of the Second World War"). For example, the most famous German ass Erich Hartman (352 victory !) was shot down 8 once ( By others data 14 once), but stayed in alive, A Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub NOT was shot down, NEVER! Here we will briefly touch on quantities air Hartman's victories. The fact is that counting system downed planes at Germans DIFFERED SIGNIFICANTLY from our system. Germans recorded on account pilot, including planes destroyed on PARKING LOT at the airport. After all, ultimately no matter where And How the plane was destroyed The main thing, what he DESTROYED!!! Also in German account the pilot included the number destroyed ENGINES on enemy planes. Of course, this only concerned MULTI-MOTOR airplanes ( see article "German fighters of the Second World War").
Throughout the war Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub not received not a single scratch!!! But he didn't brag their success! Only when his colleagues are at him pressed hard and asked what secret, he answered reluctantly : "Any pilot, shot down least 5 enemy aircraft have already lucky. His no one will knock you down!”
First with his wife Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub Meets accidentally. This happened in train, which followed in Monino, Where Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub studied at Air Force Academy. At that moment she was studying at 10th grade schools. At first Ivan sat, fidgeted, then failed tried something say, but after stopped short and then simply silently at her watched. He didn't dare even ask her Name! Then she came out on her own stop without saying goodbye or goodbye. That's how it ended The first meeting!
Through a few months they met second once. This time Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub more boldly said that this time he's already hers will not let go and what do they have today Monino V House of Officers dancing, and he took her there invites! When they together walked along garrison to her right away caught my eye what's wrong with him say hello All notice! And when in the wardrobe Ivan took off his overcoat and she saw Three Hero Stars, At first she even thought about running away because of fear! Ivan noticed her concern, soft shook her hand and said : « I'm taking you nowhere I won’t let you go!” As a result Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub came out academy not only with diploma, but also with wife Veronica Nikolaevna! IN 1946 year January 1st They signed in the village council Monino. Later Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub said he got mine home reward, the fourth Star of the Hero - Veronica!
Events on Kursk Bulge developed rapidly. Through 2 the day of the offensive German front line turned into a heap broken technology, dug up bombs land, broken dugouts. German Air Force, Luftwaffe thrown into battle the best parts of his 4th Air fleet, including famous 52nd Fighter Squadron. She was from under Berlin and these were truly aces! They, without fear, went to frontal attack, without folding, and shot at minimal angle! Commander 52nd Squadron was Gunther Rall, on whose account at that time there was already more than 150 shot down Soviet airplanes. Together with Erich Hartmann he was the best fighter squadrons.
Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub received new car La-5 With inscription on board : « Squadron name Valeria Chkalov." First enemy plane Kozhedub shot down July 6, 1943 of the year. He was then 23 of the year. Fighter La-5, whose designer was Semyon Alekseevich Lavochkin ( see article "Semyon Alekseevich Lavochkin"), was favorite type fighter Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub. He liked him for his speed And maneuverability! All main details designs of this fighter were made from TREES – pine, birch. Fuselage skin behind served as the cockpit DYED FABRIC. When you get on such a plane bullets And shells the enemy almost instantly caught fire And burned out. There was almost zero ventilation, so the cabin was often filled smoke and sometimes was heating up up to temperature +65 degrees Celsius ! By for this reason pilots who flew La-5, often flew with OPEN CABIN!
Gunter Rall returned with his group to aerodrome With big losses. From 32 there were planes 16 shot down! On that day he wrote in his diary: “Russians began to fly more aggressive. Clear. Before us worthy enemy !» To the Germans failed to drop on our troops not a single bomb and they dropped bombs before crossing front lines ! Our pilots commanding sent Gratitude for a great fight. TO October 1943 of the year squadron commander of the 240th aviation fighter regiment senior lieutenant Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub committed 146 combat sorties and shot down personally 20 enemy aircraft ! On Dnieper regiment Kozhedub faced aces Gerenga from the squadron "Mölders". In battles on Dnepre, Ivan Nikitovich behind 10 days shot down 11 fascist planes !
IN October 1943 of the year Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub got into unexpected And unpredictable situation. Squadron Kozhedub took part in attack large group "Yu-87". Ivan Nikitovich got close enough to one of them close distance and long queue knocked out his. But in in a rush of pursuit turned out to be so close To Yu-87, What myself From him caught fire. IN headset heard the slave Vasya Mukhin said : « Dad, you're on fire ! Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub at first I thought of jumping out by parachute, but then I remembered what was above enemy positions. Slave Vasily Mukhin was there all this time near, But help nothing could not. Then Kozhedub decides to send his burning plane on motorcade fascists ! In this moment Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub realized that either he will put out the flames or will die together with fascists! The plane started pick up speed V dive and here it is already close To earth slave Vasily Mukhin shouted on the radio Kozhedub: “ There is no flame, we live !» Right before the ground Kozhedub brought out fighter from diving! As I later recalled Ivan Nikitovich, Earth as if pushed away threw him into the air ! From now on he will never again haven't experienced Nothing similar!
First Hero Star Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub received February 4, 1944 of the year. By this time he had shot down more than 30 fascist planes. During war rank Hero awarded for 20 shot down enemy aircraft. U Germans our Title of Hero corresponded Knight's Cross. Hitler personally handed over Knight's Cross to their assams in Berlin. Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub during wars never NOT was in Kremlin. First Hero Star he was handed over to regiment location. I came to hand it over air corps commander general Podgorny. Just in six months Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was awarded second Hero Star! By this time he had shot down almost 50 enemy aircraft ! Second Hero Star he was given the same How And first.
Together with second Hero Star V May 1944 of the year Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub received the treasured dream everyone Soviet pilot — NAMED airplane, in this case "La-5 FN". While receiving the plane, GOSSIP, What Kozhedub I also received barrel of HONEY. These rumors arose not on empty place. The fact is that personal fighter La-5 FN With onboard number "14" was built on personal money collective farmer Vasily Viktorovich Konev, which was beekeeper from Stalingrad areas. Vasily Konev I decided to make such a gift in honor memory yours, deceased at war, son. On this car Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub shot down 8 aircraft and brought total score before 45 hit cars !
Actually a gift personal cars Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was not only special honorary but also created on war additional danger to its owner. The fact is that Germans, seeing personal inscription aboard, understood what's in front of them not a newbie and an experienced pilot ACC, experienced the enemy you need destroy EARLIER others !
Pilots in general, and especially titled loved paint on the plane various Pictures. For example, they drew panther, or mermaid. The management is certainly for this drove, and before arrival large bosses Pictures generally forced paint over.
Of course, they only left stars, indicating the number of aircraft shot down. But Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub I DID NOT DRAW And THEIR. Stars appeared on his plane just AFTER the Victory V May 1945 of the year – 62 pieces!!! IN July 1944 of the year Kozhedub appointed deputy commander 176th Guards fighter aviation regiment, which August first to rearm for fighters "La-7". On new type fighter La-7, already in the sky Poland, Kozhedub started the so-called "free hunt" On this type of fighter Ivan Nikitovich shot down 17 extreme enemy aircraft.
IN September 1944 years by order of the commander Air Force A.A. Novikov, Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was sent to Baltics to combat "free hunters" group of major's aces Helmut Wieck, who had on his account 130 victories So we collided 2nd schools "free hunters" Soviet And German. After a few days of air battles our pilots shot down 12 enemy aircraft, having lost only 2 their ! Here Kozhedub chalked it up to your account 3 airplane. Having suffered this defeat, German pilots stopped active actions in this place front. IN 1945 year 18th August Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was awarded the third Star of the Hero of the USSR.
Finally, Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub received letter from Houses! He 3 didn't know what happened to him for years relatives, who got into the zone occupation on Ukraine. He saw familiar handwriting and found out that alive And father! He wrote : « Dear son Vania, what should I write to you? Gregory hijacked to work in Germany, Yasha from the first days in battle, Sashko now on Ural, Motya alive with the child, but fellow villagers our 13 Human killed!
To my native village Obrazhievka, Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub only got into 1946 year. Father alive already didn't find how glad he would be to see his son Thrice Hero! On that moment of Thrice Heroes there was only 3 person – G.K.Zhukov, I.N.Kozhedub And A.I. Pokryshkin ( see article "Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin"). At home Kozhedub was not 6 years! The tables were set for street under the blossoming apple trees . They sat next to him happy fellow countrymen, but among them did not have his relatives. Father died in May 1945 of the year. Brother Yakov died under Stalingrad. On the next day after the feast fellow villagers let's go look Ivan Nikitovich's plane Kozhedub. They were surprised How Vania was able to shoot down so many fascist planes !
Extreme planes were shot down in last days war. Extreme air battle Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub spent in the sky above Berlin. He flew out with Dmitry Titarenko on free hunting and met 40 enemy aircraft. There were forces too unequal So I had to try it deceive enemy. attack spent back from above. One German there was a plane shot down At the same time from the group separated single enemy plane. Kozhedub decides not to miss him and knocks down and him. So on the score Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub appears 62nd downed fascist plane ! Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub spent at the front 800 days. During this time he made 330 combat departures, 120 air fights, shot down 62 airplane and no one chance not to imprison at least shot down airplane !!!
IN October 1950 of the year Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub under convoy was driving a car state security. The car stopped near Kislovodsk City Committee parties. There he was taken to the office 1st Secretary, who gave Kozhedub telephone handset. A voice was heard on the phone Vasily Iosifovich Stalin, who at that time was the commander Moscow Air Force districts. Vasily Stalin said a long swear phrase and ordered immediately leave V Moscow. Right after telephone conversation Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub they put me in the car again and drove to aerodrome. Just before takeoff, he managed write a few hurried lines wife : « Don't worry All V okay! Urgently cause V Moscow. Everything to you They’ll tell you later.” The note fell into the hands Veronica in the morning. She tried anything to figure out at messenger about my husband, but he only answered short phrase: “ Don't worry, ordered only hand over, What Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub left for the responsible business trip." This night of waiting until the situation is clarified Veronica is not passed without a trace - she has 20 year old girls appeared White hair!
Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub arrived at Moscow region aerodrome Cuban. There was 324th Air Division. On Cuban full swing preparations were underway for secret business trip. There was a lot strange... The pilots passports were taken away instead of military forms were issued civil clothes. Then soon everything cleared up. Everyone was gathered in assembly hall. There's an officer from political department read out order. Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub and other pilots were sent to war - to Korea.
The point is that during During World War II, Japan captured the Korean Peninsula. After, during World War II wars Japan was defeated countries the winners divided Korea on Northern And South. South became pro-American With head government Lee Shin Manom, A Northern pro-Soviet With head government Kim Il Sung. From the government North Korea there was a desire subdue to myself all of Korea! As a result, it began Korean Civil war. North Korea supported China And THE USSR, A Southern USA and them allies.
Commander of a special fighter air division, which was to fight in Korea, Was assigned Colonel Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub. Veronica sent letter to my husband with these words : "My poor boy, for you are back days 44th 45th years ! You are my dear, all this terrible, Yes Yes terrible! And it's me drives you crazy! You're my favorite danger! You write that you will return smoked And smelling of gunpowder, aged. Yes, I'm still more will be in love you such Here, smoked! Loving you Veronica!"
Military lettered the train was approaching border of China. Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub and other pilots for now did not know, what's their aerodrome will be located on territory of China, close to Korean border in the city area An Dun. When we arrived in China, changed clothes V CHINESE military FORM colors khaki with an inscription Chinese People's Army and steel "Chinese". We also received more chrome boots RED colors ! Then themselves joked - proletarian color ! Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub wrote in my diary : « I was ordered protect strategic objects North Korea. Came to mind unpleasant thought. We'll have to fight Not only against South Koreans, but also possibly against yesterday's ALLIES, Americans! Yesterday there were friends, today enemies! Like this !»
Here on just in case can I mention this incident, which happened back in sky above Berlin. IN April 1945 of the year 2 American fighter "Mustang" flew into the zone where they fought Soviet troops and shot down 2 Soviet fighter. After this, the squadron was lifted into the air Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub. He first caught up with Americans. There was a fight fleeting. Both American there were fighters shot down. Generally anyone air the battle FAST. On slang the pilots themselves air battle called "DOG DUMP". Just flew, for example, whole armada airplanes, but only after 3-4 minutes NOBODY around NO! Crew one American fighter died in the air, and the crew escaped the second on parachutes. landed the crew was on parachutes interrogated. They asked him : « Who hit you ? Americans they said : "Focke-Wulf" With red nose! Our investigators even crossed themselves because of Americans didn’t understand who their shot down! Downed 2 American fighter "Mustang" NOT were included in the number of victories Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub. Didn't let me do it commander shelf Pavel Chupikov. He JOKED: “ Their will be attributed on the first day next war! Joke, unfortunately it turned out prophetic.
Former the allies crossed weapon ! Purpose 40 American bombers became strategic railway bridge on the river Yalujiang. Bombers accompanied near 100 fighters. Division commander Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub could oppose the Americans only 50 fighters MiG-15. Kozhedub decides to take to the air all fighters, available – according to the principle, all or nothing! U Americans was shot down 12 bombers and 5 fighters. Near 120 American pilots who jumped out from by parachute, were taken into captivity Chinese And Koreans.
Myself Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub in this air battle didn't participate because it's Soviet command surrounded him prohibitions to participate in combat flights. Prohibited by the then Minister of Defense Vasilevsky, corps commander Belov, Then Lobov. Banned again until departure V Korea Vasily Stalin, who said : « Good to fight using our own methods." What methods did you mean? Vasily Stalin, Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub so and Didn't understand! Maybe, Vasily Stalin dreamed that Americans shot down, with fun And without loss, but in reality such CAN NOT BE! Kozhedub's subordinates believed correct ban participate in combat flights.
However Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was not just gambling a person, and a passionate pilot! One day this a little did not lead to great international scandal. The point is that if Kozhedub shot down, then Americans would say that Three times Hero of the USSR fights against their yesterdays allies. Open Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was forbidden fly on combat flights, but given it character Can assume that he did write down at your own expense some American fighters "Sabres". Colleagues claim What This is true.
First air battle showed What Mig-15 practically equally opposes Sabre! Before railway bridge got there only 3 American bomber. They dropped 3, six ton bombs, and damaged one from supports bridge. Through a few days there was a bridge restored and supply North Korean army and the so-called Chinese "volunteers" resumed. All division aircraft Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub are back to the airfield. Some of them received damage, damage But NOT fatal. In general, it should be noted that Saber weapons V BEGINNING Korean there was a war rather weak. IN original version it was equipped 6 machine guns of 12.7 caliber mm. It happened that it turned out that MiG-15 was getting several holes V wings and places that do not affect the flight fuselage, but in this state was returning on your own aerodrome! Later on Saber machine guns were replaced on guns, caliber 20 mm.
First letter from Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub, Veronica received through guarantor Vasily Stalin, who handed the letter to her personally at the apartment on Chistye Prudy. In order to HIDE What Soviet pilots are fighting in Korea, they were it is forbidden to write in letters about war. Nobody was supposed to know place their location. Now she it became clear why from my husband for a long time did not have no news. For Veronica, division commander's wife Kozhedub by personal order Vasily Stalin was done exception. She was told that Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub is in North Korea. On everyone from the letters stood stamp “reviewed by military censorship”. All Soviet pilots who fought in Korea, wore pseudonyms. Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was under the last name Krylov. In the letter he wrote : « For me very much don't worry. Is yours Vanyuhastic healthy ! A lot of work. Living conditions bad. I recently weighed myself 85 kg – it's in long johns and socks. They brought it to me 2 weights by 32 kg. And how are you favorite? Doing your morning routine charging? You, my beloved I caress And kiss in everything places! loving you forever Vania!"
Ahead of Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub there was more 10 months secret war. UN announced North Korea AGGRESSOR. Respectively any military assistance to the regime Kim Il Sung was prohibited by international contracts. If participation Soviet military personnel in the war Korea will CONFIRMED That armed forces UN With FULL RIGHT can start war and against THE USSR. Member of the Korean war fighter pilot Hero of the Soviet Union, Sergei Makarovich Kramarenko, colleague Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub By 2 wars told : « Us taught speak in Korean, to depict in the air from being Koreans. But when it comes it came before battle, it was already here not up to Korean language and here it is "chopped" purely in Russian!
Americans recorded our radio talks pilots. Then when they listened, understood, With by whom have an affair, but to the whole world about it They did NOT say. The point is that for accusations of the USSR V ILLEGAL participation V war V Korea were necessary more significant proof. In the areas location of Soviet airfields started working actively South Korean intelligence. She was given task CAPTURE any of Soviet military personnel, doesn't matter pilot or aviation equipment. So one day Soviet missing aircraft technician After a long time search him after all found on the river bank in the bushes – RELATED. Later it were going to at night transport to the other side of the river and give away Americans. Accordingly, his wanted do living evidence of USSR participation V Korean war. That's why Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub banned fly on combat tasks ! Impossible to myself introduce what would it be international scandal, if in captivity To Americans hit Three times Hero of the USSR Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub. But one day it almost happened!
Kozhedub still did it some departures to Korea at NIGHT. He made them secretly from political officer Petukhov. When Petukhov was leaving for example, in Beijing, Kozhedub gave the command to prepare the plane and flew out on interception of scouts. This happened in one of these night flying in the sky Korea, When Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was shot down He ejected and landed on neutral strip. South Koreans immediately tried it capture captured But Chinese at first stopped them with dense fire, and then in hand-to-hand literally in battle Kozhedub was torn out from hands of South Koreans!
First this story was told TO THE SON Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub, Nikita, Chinese veteran pilots V 1991 year. They asked Nikita about only one thing - never tell anyone this story. Nikita completed their request. According to the stories of the same Chinese pilots V Korea, Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub personally shot down 17 enemy aircraft ! Naturally not in any documents This NOT recorded especially since Soviet participation pilots in Korean war HID IT CAREFULLY.
Main rival Soviet MiG-15 V Korea was American Saber ( direct translation "Saber"). MiG-15 had weight on 2,5 tons less, That's why gained altitude faster And speed. However, when dive this advantage turned into flaw! Saber dived faster and besides, it was significantly more maneuverable than the MiG ( see article "Artyom Ivanovich Mikoyan"). On Sabre there was a weapon shot up to a distance of 400 meters, and MiG-15, up to 800 meters and more. Win count V Korean went to war with superiority in favor MiGs!
Unexpectedly from Moscow to the location divisions Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub I arrived high boss. He delivered the order – PLANT American fighter Saber, With minimal damage, on our territories. Then send it to Moscow on studying. Mission first seemed IMPOSSIBLE. But then the regiment commander Evgeny Pepelyaev managed apply SABER DELICATE damage ! Saber didn't catch fire And didn't crash and committed forced landing. This type of American fighter was NEWEST type fighter. By the time it capture he appeared at the front of everything six months back ! From the division's location Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub captured airplane transported V Moscow.
EXACTLY as a result KOREAN wars and CAPTURED V Korea to American fighter Saber, Soviet aircraft designers TAKEOVER at Americans RADIO RANGE NUMER, on the basis of which improved own aim, ANTI-OVERLOAD suit and then HIGH-RISE a suit that's just COPYED.
Lived division pilots Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub V Korea V hastily cobbled together from wooden boards near the airfield ! They didn't have no running water, no sewerage. Heated these makeshift stoves "potbelly stoves" A frosts in winter reached -40 degrees Celcius ! In summer walked torrential rains, and such , that sometimes it was necessary to go to the airfield swim on boats! In a letter to his wife Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub wrote : « We already have second week coming rain. Directly under the windows formed lake! Such miracles there are only here! AND When Only we let's break out from this cells?! I remember a movie "The Feat of a Scout" and words Kadochnikova: “ Patience, patience my dear friend !» So here it is be patient dear And I I tolerate and I think that We’ll endure it!” In a reply letter Veronica wrote : « Finally, waited from you letters, darling! Still, ours generations nerves and heart are in vain – the war has taken its toll! How much longer will it be continue this is how you write “brawl”?!”
She's well knew - What hiding behind in a simple word "brawl". It happened that they called her wives pilots friends Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub, crying they shared fatal news ! They received funeral with such words: " Your husband died from heart attack or died from intestinal poisoning." Herself Veronica knew that friends' husbands died V air battles, But had no right them about it say. Because of CLASSIFICATION wars V Korea, USSR Ministry of Defense Not told the truth about how to in fact, Soviet soldiers died pilots. After death and farewell, bodies of the dead taken to Chinese city Port Arthur and there buried on military cemetery under FICTIONAL NAMES.
IN New Year's Eve 1952 pilots Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub go home. Report families about returning banned. Let's go home to civil clothes as if they were ordinary civilian people traveling from business trips from fraternal China. Soviet pilots shot down 215 American airplanes, 20 of which bombers "flying fortress". Division losses Ivan Nikitovich Kozheduba, 23 airplane and 10 pilots. Kozhedub is back home the same way suddenly, as he left. If Veronica asked him about the war Korea, he fell silent and looked at his wife for a long time with a smile. "Veronica, why do you need it ? Do not ask. Doesn't matter I won't tell you Bye won't be allowed." That was the answer.
After the war in Korea, Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub continued to fly, worked tester V Leningradsky military district. Job title occupied significantly below their merit - deputy division commander. After only 15 became old head of combat training of the Air Force. Later they made themselves known to him professional diseases. Started to get sick legs, then it happened stroke. I'm weaned speech, illness chained to bed, But relatives He found out.
Of the children he had daughter Natasha And son Nikita. His came out and literally wife Veronica raised. She connected, as many as I could doctors. He again studied write and we can say born again. Daughter Natasha became pianist, and son Nikita chose a profession submariner IN 1985 year Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub received the title Air Marshal.
U Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub was many friends - These were writers, artists, astronauts, musicians. Friends – This often feast. Veronika Nikolaevna, knowing health Ivan Nikitovich, hard protected him from alcohol. Kozhedub in such cases joked: “Veronica Well, what is it? Big deal – this is it three tankers drank each three hundred, and brave falcon drank nine hundred!" Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub lived with Veronica Nikolaevna almost 50 years ! Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub gone August 8, 1991 year, for at his dacha V Monino. Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub died in GLORY And RESPECT! Through six months THE COUNTRY HAS DISAPPEARED for which Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub FOUGHT whole 2nd WARS!