Sergey Safronov (pilot)
Russian aviator (1919–1983)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sergey Ivanovich Safronov (Russian: Серге́й Ива́нович Сафро́нов; 25 August 1919 – 29 September 1983) was a Russian aviator who was given the title Hero of the Soviet Union. According to Thomas Polak, Safronov shot down 31 enemy aircraft during World War II.[1]
Soviet Union
Soviet Air ForceSergei Ivanovich Safronov | |
|---|---|
| Сергей Иванович Сафронов | |
| |
| Born | 25 August 1918 Pilekshevo, Nizhny Novgorod Governorate, Soviet Union |
| Died | 29 September 1983 (aged 65) Nizhny Novgorod, Soviet Union |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Soviet Union |
Branch | Soviet Air Force |
Service years | 1938 — 1945 |
Rank | Major |
| Unit | 293rd Fighter Aviation Regiment |
Conflicts | |
| Awards | Hero of the Soviet Union |
He was born in Pilekshevo, Nizhny Novgorod on 25 August 1919. In 1938 Safronov joined the army. In 1939 he graduated from the Engels Military Air School.[1]
During World War II he participated in air combats in Kuban, shot down aircraft in the Kursk Salient, and participated in the battle in Stalingrad.[2] By the end of World War II he had been promoted to Major. After the war ended, he worked in the Saratov aeroclub as a flying instructor. Yuri Gagarin was one of his students.[1] He later became the flight commander of Gagarin.[2]
Safronov died on 29 September 1983 in Nizhny Novgorod.[1]
Bibliography
- Polak, Tomas (with Christopher Shores). Stalin's Falcons: The Aces of the Red Star : A Tribute to the Notable Fighter Pilots of the Soviet Air Forces 1918-1953. Grub Street, 1999. ISBN 1902304012, 9781902304014.
- Tsymbal, Nikolay Andreyevich (Николай Андреевич Цымбал). First Man in Space: The Life and Achievement of Yuri Gagarin : a Collection. Progress Publishers (Moscow), 1984.
