Sergei Ivanovich Safronov | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Native name | Сергей Иванович Сафронов |
| Born | 25 August 1918 Pilekshevo, Nizhny Novgorod Governorate, Soviet Union |
| Died | 29 September 1983 Nizhny Novgorod, Soviet Union |
| Allegiance |  Soviet Union |
| Service/ |  Soviet Air Force |
| Years of service | 1938 — 1945 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 293rd Fighter Aviation Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Eastern Front of World War II |
| Awards | Hero of the Soviet Union |
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]
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.