Godovikov 7 Feb 1942

On 7 February 1942, a Ju 88 of 5.(F)/122 was shot down. It was most likely shot down by Soviet pilot A.Godovikov in the Vologda region. This was first suggested by historian and journalist G. Akinkhov from Vologda.

Biographical information about the Soviet pilot A.Godovikov.

Alexey Godovikov. Born January 19, 1914. Served in the Red Army since November 1936.

In 1939 graduated from Kachin aviation school.

Served in the 148th IAP in Soviet-Finnish War (1939-1940).Participant of the Great Patriotic War since June of 1941. He participated in the war with 148th IAP (June 1941 - July 1941), 283 (740) IAP (September 1941 - February 1942). 283 (740) IAP was a part of 148th Fighter Aviation Division of Air Defence.

Political instructor ("political instructor" or politruk -rank is equal to the rank of "senior lieutenant"), commissar of the 1st squadron of 283 (740) IAP.

He flew I-153 and MiG-3. Completed 53 combat missions (information as of 12.10.1941).

In the air fights he personally shot down three enemy planes.

On February 7, 1942 he was killed in ramming a Ju 88. He was buried on the central square of Cherepovets.On March 4, 1942 he was awarded the title of the Hero of the Soviet Union (posthumously).Source of information:https://sovpilots.ru/cards/09_ga-goj/godovikov_aleksei_nikolaevich.htmlhttps://pamyat-naroda.ru/heroes/kld-card_uchet_officer406515/

Records from combat logs

https://pamyat-naroda.ru/documents/view/?id=451006200

"Combat log of the 144th IAP "

Date: 7.2.1942.

Combat mission: Flights to intercept enemy aircraft.

Description of operations: According to VNOSreports, at 12:40 senior political officer Tarasov. Took off from airfield Manturino to intercept a Ju 88 in a MiG-3. At an altitude of 4000m he pursued the enemy aircraft in the vicinity of Cherepovets. Given the difference in altitudes, he failed to catch up and the enemy aircraft flew to the north-west and disappeared in the clouds.

Political instructor Godovikov, patrolling at Babaevo-Efimovskaya, was directed by radio to the enemy aircraft. At 13.40, at an altitude of 7500m he met and engaged in aerial combat. The enemy aircraft began to gain altitude, trying to escape into the clouds.. Seeing that the enemy sought to escape into the clouds, Political instructor Godovikov, at an altitude of over 8000 metres, rams the enemy aircraft, which catches fire and falls in disarray. Observation from the ground reveals that two men parachuted out from Ju 88. The fighter spiralled down towards the ground, but no one recorded the crash site. The parachute-jumpers, one, the navigator, was detained, the other was killed while resisting. The searches for political instructor Godovikov's plane did not yield positive results.

Date: 8. 2. 1942.

Combat mission: duty of crews at airfields

Description of military operations: No combat sorties were made during the day. The U-2s searched for political officer Godovikov throughout the first half of the day. At 15:40 from Volodino airfield they reported that the commissar of the 1st squadron political instructor Godovikov died when ramming the enemy plane. While trying to jump with the parachute his left arm was broken, which prevented him from jumping out. Ram was made with tail-end, as a result of which the tail-end fell off and the plane fell flat.

Date: 10.2.1942.

Combat mission: Flight crews on duty at airfields

Description of combat operations: Due to bad weather, no sorties were made. Crews were on duty at the airfields. At 17:30 the commissar of the 1st squadron political instructor Godovikov was buried at Cherepovets square in the presence of civilians, representatives of the local Soviet and party organisations. By the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR political instructor Godovikov was awarded posthumously the title Hero of the Soviet Union.

Date: 11. 2. 1942

Combat action: Assignment of regiment number

Description of military operations: By the directive of the Chief of Staff of the Red Army Air Forces No. 338424/ss the 283rd Fighter Aviation Regiment was renamed to the 740th Fighter Aviation Regiment. Directive of 9.1.1942".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Cherepovets newspaper "Kommunist" in 1980 (Nos. 84, 85) published an article "Sons duty" about Leonid Godovikov's work on the biography of his father, Alexey Godovikov. The article published a fragment of the regiment's battle log, which differs slightly from the above."On 7.2.42. Political instructor Godovikov, patrolling in the area of Babaevo - Yefimovskaya, was guided by radio to the enemy aircraft. At 13:40, at an altitude of 7500, he met and engaged in aerial combat. The reconnaissance aircraft manoeuvred, gaining altitude to hide in the clouds. Seeing that the enemy was trying to hide in the clouds, political instructor Godovikov rammed the enemy plane at an altitude of over 8000 m, causing it to catch fire and crash.. Observation from the ground reveals that two men parachuted out from Ju 88. The fighter spiralled down towards the ground, but no one recorded the crash site.Of the parachuting crew, one, the navigator, was detained, the other was killed while resisting.

8.2.42The U-2s searched for Godovikov's plane. Five sorties were made. At 14.20 near the village of Serebryanitsa the plane was found without tail fins. Political instructor Godovikov was killed in the ramming action. A prisoner of the crew of Ju 88 shot down aircraft said that the crew were making reconnaissance of the airfields in the area of Cherepovets-Vologda for further attack.After a mourning meeting at the airfield from which Godovikov took off, his body was transported to Cherepovets, where he was buried on Victims of the Revolution Square in front of a huge crowd.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the book by G.A. Akinkhov "Near the fronts. Vologda region in the implementation of the plans of the Soviet military command during the Great Patriotic War. Reference book" (Vologda, 1994) published excerpts from the journal of military operations of Cherepovets-Vologda air defense division, which included 740 Fighter Aviation Regiment. Page 13 of Akinkhov's book contains a diary entry for 7 February 1942. "7.2.42. Single enemy aircraft "Junkers 88" made reconnaissance of the railway line Vologda - Babaevo. Above Vologda it was fired upon by anti-aircraft artillery. To intercept it the planes of 148th IRPA were taken into the air. Over the Serebryanskaya settlement the enemy aircraft was shot down by pilot of the 740th Fighter Aviation Regiment Godovikov. Godovikov did not return to his airfield. The search is under way. Planes of the 148th IAD flew to intercept the enemy, and also patrolled the railway lines. A total of 31 sorties were made.At the last moment it was reported that two pilots jumped out of the enemy aircraft on parachutes when it went down. One of them has already been caught, the search for the other continues.Five sorties were made in search of pilot Godovikov, who did not return to his base. It is established that comrade Godovikov, ramming an enemy Junkers-88, died himself".Excerpts from newspaper articles from the Second World War containing mentions of Godovikov.

"An excellent political instructor and distinguished pilot - so characterised the political instructor Alexander Godovikov by the unit command. Unparalleled courage political instructor showed in the battle with a Ju-88 bomber. The fascist plane flew at an altitude of 7,000 metres. Political instructor Godovikov, having found the enemy in the air, attacked it several times and when he used up all his ammunition boldly went to ram the enemy. The enemy bomber was shot down" (Eleven Heroes // Pravda. - 1942. - March 5 - page 3)."The commissar of the squadron political instructor Godovikov in the days of the Great Patriotic War committed 170 combat sorties. On February 7, he flew to intercept the fascist scout. At height of 7000 metres an air fight was begun. When ammunition was exhausted, Comrade Godovikov rammed the enemy car. The commissar died the death of the brave".(The heroes-pilots // Krasnaya Zvezda. - 1942. - March 5 - page 1)Near N. city a remarkable pilot, political instructor A. Godovikov, who was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, died.

"Not far from N. city a remarkable pilot, political instructor A. Godovikov, who had been awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, died. At altitude of 7 000 metres he rammed the fascist plane, which other pilots attacked before him, but did not shoot down. Godovikov could not engage the enemy, as he had run out of ammunition. A faithful son of his Motherland could not allow the vulture to drop its murderous cargo on the inhabitants of N. Sacrificing his own life, Godovikov went to ram the enemy and destroyed it. (Orlov I. Heroes of anti-aircraft defense // Izvestiya. - 1942. - March 5 - page 3)."Eleven outstanding pilots earned the title of Hero of the Soviet Union by their bravery and heroism. Among them the political instructor A. N. Godovikov, Lieutenant I. F. Golubin, Senior Lieutenants E. M. Gorbatov, I. N. Zabolotny, I. N. Kalabushkin, Lieutenant B. Е. Kovalev, Senior Lieutenant A. Lukyanov, Junior Lieutenant V. Matakov, Senior Lieutenants N. Morozov, I. Kholodov and Lieutenant I. Shumilov. <...> They showed an example of courage and valour, they used the weapon of the bravest - a ram. Heroes of the Soviet Union Shumilov, Lukyanov and others successfully rammed the Nazi planes. Heroes of the Soviet Union Godovikov and Kovalev gave their lives defending our capital and our cities. Their feat is immortal, and the Motherland will never forget it.(Sharp to bear air watch // Stalin's Falcon. - 1942. - March 6 - page 1)

Newspapers - Full Texts

"Pravda" newspaper No. 64 (8835) of March 05, 1942

Article "Glorious air watch" (page 1)

The pilots, anti-aircraft gunners, observers and firefighters, defending Moscow and other industrial centres of the country from Nazi air raids, stood a glorious watch. Hitler tried to demoralize the rear of the Red Army, to destroy our enterprises and defense installations, to burn Moscow and other major cities of our country with flocks of air robbers.

It did not work! The Red Army vigilantly guards our cities, Stalinist falcons - pilots deliver devastating blows, Soviet anti-aircraft gunners give accurate fire, fire brigades are determined and skilled, the population is united and organised.

Today the country celebrates valiant soldiers of the anti-aircraft defense units, which have exemplary performance on combat tasks of the Command at the front against the German invaders. By the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR the title Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded to the valiant airmen political instructor Andrei Godovikov, lieutenant I.F. Golubin, senior lieutenants E.M. Gorbatyuk, I.N. Zabolotny, I.N. N. Kalabushkin, Lieutenant V. E. Kovalev, Senior Lieutenant A. G. Lukyanov, Junior Lieutenant V. N. Matakov, Senior Lieutenant I. N. Morozov, Senior Lieutenant I. M. Kholodov, Lieutenant I. P. Shumilov.

The best soldiers, commanders and political officers of the air defence units of the country and the city of Moscow were awarded orders and medals.

The enemy fiercely rushed to the capital of the Soviet Union and to big cities of the country. There were difficult days, there were many air raids. But the workers of the capital met the air raids in a calm and organised manner. Work at the enterprises did not stop.

The anti-aircraft gunners surrounded the city with a deadly ring of steel, blocking the path of the black Nazi vultures. The brave anti-aircraft gunners, the strike force of the air defence, destroyed the enemy with the fire of their machine guns and cannons. At the first call fire brigades rushed to the place of fire and quickly localized the fire. The workers of Moscow heroically protected their hometown.

Solidarity and organisation of all air defence forces is what thwarted the efforts of the German command, that is what prevented Hitler's brigands from carrying out their dirty work. The Nazi air pirates were not able to cause any significant damage to Moscow or other cities.

During the war there were many dozens of raids on Moscow. A total of several thousand aircraft tried to break through to the capital of the Soviet Union. The vast majority of enemy machines were repulsed, scattered or destroyed by anti-aircraft artillery fire and our aircraft.

The diabolical plans of the ogre Hitler to destroy to the ground the industry of Moscow and to burn our great city failed miserably. Not a single one of the military facilities of the capital was damaged by enemy bombardment in all the months. All the vital arteries of the city - water supply, gas, light, sewerage, transport, communications - worked and worked faultlessly at all times.

In their anger and fury, the Nazi vandals rained their bombs down on the homes of civilians, on hospitals and theatres, on scientific institutions. The cultural mankind will never forgive Hitler's bombardment of hospitals, the Bolshoi Theatre of the USSR, the Moscow State University, the hospitals of Leningrad and children's institutions in other cities.

The Nazi invaders paid a heavy price for their attempts to bomb Moscow. On the outskirts of the capital our pilots and anti-aircraft gunners shot down over 1,000 Nazi planes. The enemy air corps, specially created for raids on Moscow, turned out to be pretty battered and ground up.

All this is the result of precise and coordinated work of the anti-aircraft defense, the power of which was constantly growing. The activity and efficiency of the anti-aircraft fire increased considerably during these months. Artillerymen set the task to shoot down the enemy planes with the first shots. The strength and technique of the aviation defending Moscow and other cities has increased. Recently, the German brigands have not managed to carry out a single raid on the Soviet capital, although they have tried more than once to break through the Moscow skies.

It would, however, be unforgivable short-sightedness to become complacent for even a minute. In his order (on Red Army Day) Comrade Stalin pointed out: "It must not be forgotten that there are still many difficulties ahead. The enemy is defeated, but he is not defeated, and even more so, not finished off. The enemy is still strong. He will strain the last of his strength; to succeed. And the more he is defeated, the more he will grow furious".

The alertness and combat readiness must not be relaxed for a moment. Air defence troops must be ready day and night to meet the gates with dignity. Tirelessly strengthening the interaction of all means of defense, increasing the firepower, mastering new equipment, increasing vigilance, learning the experience of the front line, being constantly on the alert - this is the formula for success in the fight against fascist raiders.

It is especially important to further improve the preparedness of the urban population, which played an enormous role in dealing with the aftermath of the enemy raids. It is necessary to monitor the exemplary condition of the shelters and all the fire-fighting equipment, check the work of the teams and MPVO units ("local anti-aircraft defence"), monitor the condition of entrances, staircases, flats, and strictly follow the rules of light camouflage. The population must also be involved in the surveillance service, especially in suburban areas. The temporary lull in the black work of the fascist aviation should not make us relaxed, but alert.

The more furious the enemy is, the more wary the Soviet people are, the more ruthless is our repulse to the Hitler cannibals, and the more indestructible is the iron will of the Soviet people to fight and to defeat the enemy completely.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Pravda" newspaper No. 64 (8835) of March 05, 1942 (page 1)

Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR On awarding the title of Hero of the Soviet Union to the command staff of the anti-aircraft defence troopsFor the exemplary fulfillment of the command's missions at the front, fighting against the Nazi invaders, and displaying courage and heroism, to award the title Hero of the Soviet Union and to hand the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star Medal:1. Political instruktor Alexey Nikolaevich Godovikov.2. Lieutenant Ivan Filippovich Golubin.3. Senior Lieutenant Evgeny Mikhailovich Gorbatyuk.

4. Senior Lieutenant Ivan Nikolayevich Zabolotny.

5. Senior Lieutenant Ivan Nikolayevich Kalabushkin.

6. Lieutenant Venedikt Efimovich Kovalev.

7. Senior Lieutenant Anatoly Grigorievitch Lukyanov.

8. Second Lieutenant Vasily Nikolaevich Matakov.

9. Senior Lieutenant Nikolay Nikolaevich Morozov.

10. Senior Lieutenant Ivan Mikhailovich Kholodov.

11. Lieutenant Ivan Petrovich Shumilov.

Chairman of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme SovietМ. KALININ.

Secretary of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR

А. GORKIN.

Moscow, Kremlin. March 4, 1942

"Pravda" newspaper No. 64 (8835) of March 05, 1942 (page 3)

Article "Eleven heroes"

Lieutenant Kovalev had an excellent machine of the latest design. The pilot lovingly looked after it, and more than once it helped him out in the most dangerous battles.

One day the chunky, short, broad-shouldered lieutenant went out to the airfield to check the readiness of his wing for the flight.

The demanding commander was carefully examining the engines of the planes of his comrades. At that moment the alarm was sounded at the aerodrome. A rocket flew into the air. The lieutenant was the first to take off and, having gathered his wing, headed towards the enemy. The fight was short, but fierce. In this fight Kovalev shot down "Junkers-88" and with his wing dispersed the group of fascist planes.

Lieutenant Kovalev took pride in defending the air approaches to the capital. As the front approached the gates of Moscow, his wing received orders to storm the enemy troops. Loading their planes with bombs, taking large loads of ammunition, the fighter planes took off several times a day and headed north, to where the Germans were preparing to cross the Moscow-Volga Canal. These were days full of tension. During these assaults Kovalev destroyed 12 enemy tanks, 16 vehicles with infantry.On his last flight he flew when the Germans were retreating from Moscow.

Kovalev at a low altitude, spreading fear and death in the ranks of the enemy, was flying over the roads leading to Volokolamsk. The fascists managed to set fire to his plane. The pilot went even lower, and then, seeing that he could not reach his airfield, he directed his plane at the cluster of enemy troops.

His plane burned like a torch and caused an explosion of enormous force. Many dozens of Nazi soldiers were killed.So heroically died Lieutenant Venedikt Yefimovich Kovalev, a fearless son of his country, who loved it more than life itself.

All the pilots awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union by the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR are air defence pilots.

Each of them has in his service record several enemy planes shot down. For ten air fights during one month Lieutenant Ivan Filippovich Golubin shot down ten planes. He was a young pilot. He was born in 1919, but his fame thunders in many fighter regiments.

The squadron of senior lieutenant E. Gorbatyuk for three months made 635 sorties and shot down 13 enemy planes. Lieutenant I.P. Shumilov proved to be a valiant air fighter. Once, returning to the airfield, he was attacked by seven German fighters. Having no ammunition, which was used up in the attack on the enemy troops, the lieutenant with skilful maneuvering did not allow himself to be hit. Seizing an opportune moment, he rammed one enemy aircraft. There was confusion in the group of attackers. Taking advantage of it, he gained altitude. But the car caught fire, and the pilot was forced to jump out with a parachute... In several months Shumilin shot down 8 fascist bombers and fighters.

The junior lieutenant V. Matakov with his courage and fearlessness carried away flying staff of Enns unit on combat feats. While assaulting the enemy troops he destroyed 123 lorries, 5 tanks with fuel, 2 radio stations, dispersed 3 mechanized columns. He shot down 6 enemy planes. Three times he was shot down, but always Matakov safely returned to his airfield.Pilots-fighters, defending approaches to Moscow, repeatedly had to assault enemy ground troops. Hero of the Soviet Union senior lieutenant I.M. Kholodov shot down 6 enemy planes and has several dozens of assault flights during these flights.

An excellent political instructor and distinguished pilot - so characterised the political commander A.N. Godovikov by the command of the unit. Unparalleled courage the political instructor showed in the battle with the Ju-88 bomber. The fascist plane flew at an altitude of 7,000 metres. Political instructor Godovikov, having found the enemy in the air, attacked it several times and when he used up all his ammunition boldly went to ram the enemy. The enemy bomber was shot down.

A battering ram is the weapon of the brave. Senior lieutenant Lukyanov twice used a ram. Defending an important railway junction, he found an enemy aircraft, which immediately changed its course. Lukyanov overtook the enemy plane and cut off its tail. The bomber immediately went into a plumb dive and together with the crew hit the ground.

The exploits of Senior Lieutenant I.N. Kalabushkin have been known since the beginning of the war.

On June 22 Kalabushkin engaged in battle with six planes. The fighter shot down one plane. Despite a wound in both legs, Kalabushkin skillfully landed his plane, which was damaged in the battle. During a raid on one of our airfields of a large group of fascist bombers Kalabushkin was the first to rise into the air and shot down a Heinkel-111. On the burning machine he continued to fight until he dispersed the numerically superior enemy.

The air battles in the outskirts of Moscow revealed many real people's heroes, who put fear into the fascist "aces". On the eve of the XXIV anniversary of the Great October Revolution, senior lieutenant I. N. Zabolotny vowed not to let the enemy get to Moscow. On November, 6 in the evening he spotted four bombers and bravely engaged in battle with them. In this battle the plane of Zabolotny received 127 shots, but the pilot drove away fascist vultures from the approaches to the city. On Zabolotny's account he shot down ten fascist planes.

The Flight of the senior lieutenant N.N. Morozov now can be named a link of the Heroes of the Soviet Union. His pilots - comrades Murovenko and Popov were given the rank of the Hero of the Soviet Union even earlier. Morozov received this title today. The wing of Morozov shot down 34 planes. Not a single Nazi pilot returned to his airfield after meeting the pilots of this famous unit. Morozov shot down 12 fascist planes.Glory to the heroes! Glory to the fearless falcons of Stalin!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Izvestiya" newspaper, No 53 (7739) of 05 March 1942

Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR On awarding the title of Hero of the Soviet Union to the command staff of the anti-aircraft defence troopsFor the exemplary fulfillment of the command's missions at the front, fighting against the Nazi invaders, and displaying courage and heroism, to award the title Hero of the Soviet Union and to hand the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star Medal:1. Political instruktor Alexey Nikolaevich Godovikov.2. Lieutenant Ivan Filippovich Golubin.3. Senior Lieutenant Evgeny Mikhailovich Gorbatyuk.

4. Senior Lieutenant Ivan Nikolayevich Zabolotny.

5. Senior Lieutenant Ivan Nikolayevich Kalabushkin.

6. Lieutenant Venedikt Efimovich Kovalev.

7. Senior Lieutenant Anatoly Grigorievitch Lukyanov.

8. Second Lieutenant Vasily Nikolaevich Matakov.

9. Senior Lieutenant Nikolay Nikolaevich Morozov.

10. Senior Lieutenant Ivan Mikhailovich Kholodov.

11. Lieutenant Ivan Petrovich Shumilov.

Chairman of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme SovietМ. KALININ.Secretary of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme SovietА. GORKIN.Moscow, Kremlin. March 4, 1942

"Izvestia" newspaper

Article "Heroes of anti-aircraft defence". Author Brigade Commissar I. ORLOV (page 3)

Pilots, gunners, spotters, and observers of anti-aircraft defense units are deservedly loved and respected by all the Soviet people and highly rated by Comrade Stalin, People's Commissar of Defense. They are the ones guarding Soviet cities and important military facilities from enemy air raids. Risking their lives every day, anti-aircraft fighter pilots save thousands of civilians, and preserve factories and railway stations from destruction.Day and night, the anti-aircraft defence is on alert.

Thanks to the vigilant and selfless work of soldiers and commanders of the air defense, plans of the German command to destroy Moscow from the air were crushed. Only on the outskirts of Moscow during the war found a grave over 1,000 German planes.In the battles against the German aircraft the anti-aircraft defense units gained great experience, and became hardened. Today, the most distinguished soldiers, commanders and political officers of the air defence were awarded orders and medals.Eleven fighter pilots were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Among those awarded are not only those who defended Moscow. There are also the defenders of Tula, in particular a group of anti-aircraft gunners, and the anti-aircraft gunners who repelled enemy air raids in Kaluga under the command of Comrade Ryazantsev.

Not far from N. city a remarkable pilot, political instructor A. Godovikov, who had been awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, died. At altitude of 7 000 metres he rammed the fascist plane, which other pilots attacked before him, but did not shoot down. Godovikov could not engage the enemy, as he had run out of ammunition. A faithful son of his Motherland could not allow the vulture to drop its murderous cargo on the inhabitants of N. Sacrificing his own life, Godovikov went to ram the enemy and destroyed it.

Muscovites know the name of the pilot Golubin, who bravely repelled repeated attempts by German aircraft to break through to Moscow. Golubin frequently engaged in unequal combat with the enemy and always came out the winner. In ten air fights Golubin shot down 12 fascist planes.

Ten enemy planes were shot down on approaches to Moscow by pilot senior lieutenant Zabolotny. He distinguished himself by exclusive assertiveness and endurance. Patrolling at Naro-Fominsk, Zabolotny noticed four Junkers-88. Without hesitation he engaged them in battle. From the first frontal attack he shot down one of the four bombers. Zabolotny's plane received 127 shots in this fight, but, despite serious damage, Zabolotny safely landed his plane at the airfield.

The squadron commanded by Hero of the Soviet Union senior lieutenant E. Gorbatyuk destroyed 13 enemy planes in the air battles, without losing a single pilot of his squadron. Gorbatyuk personally shot down 4 enemy planes. In addition, during assault raids he destroyed several tanks, cars and anti-aircraft machine guns of the enemy.Fighter pilots of antiaircraft defense strike the enemy not only over the guarded objects, but also on enemy bases. They destroy planes at German airfields, storm enemy columns.Heroes of the Soviet Union achieved great skill in assault strikes

Hero of the Soviet Union junior lieutenant V. Matakov achieved great skill in storming attacks. During storming raids he destroyed 123 lorries with infantry and ammunition of the enemy, 87 carts, over two hundred soldiers, several tanks with fuel and dispersed three motor-companies and three companies of soldiers. In the air fights Matakov shot down six fascist planes.

Hero of the Soviet Union lieutenant I.Shumilov, returning from combat mission, found 7 enemy planes in the air. The fearless pilot not only took the fight, not only stayed alive and unharmed, but also shot down one of the enemy planes. Shumilov had no ammunition - he exhausted it performing the mission.

The enemy was seven times stronger, but the will and courage of the Soviet man proved to be even stronger. When all seven enemy fighters at high speed rushed to the Shumilov's plane and were ready to approach it, suddenly Shumilov slowed down and all seven Messerschmitts flew past him.

Shumilov took advantage of this and dived, but found one of the Messerschmitts underneath and collapsed on it with all the force of his plane. The Messerschmitt shattered and the German pilot was cut in half. The propeller of Shumilov's plane fell off, the engine crumbled and the plane caught fire. Only 200 metres from the ground Shumilov managed to parachute out. Talented pilot Shumilov shot down 11 enemy planes.

Approximately the same happened to senior lieutenant I. Kalabushkin, who engaged in battle with six Nazi planes. One of them he shot down and, despite being wounded in both legs,masterfully landed the damaged machine at his airfield. In the air fights in the approaches to Moscow Hero of the Soviet Union Kalabushkin shot down 12 fascist planes.

Lieutenant V. Kovalev, who was today awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, made an immortal feat. While assaulting enemy troops Kovalev's plane was shot down and set on fire by German artillery. Using the burning plane Kovalev continued to storm the troops until he used up all ammunition. When they ran out of ammunition he directed the flame-racked vehicle at the concentration of enemy troops, and died the death of a hero.

The masterful ram was made by the Hero of the Soviet Union senior lieutenant A. Lukyanov. Destroying the enemy aeroplane he fully saved his own plane. An excellent knowledge of piloting techniques allowed Lukyanov to make 100 combat missions without a single "flying accident". He shot down 7 enemy planes.

Excellent commanders are Heroes of the Soviet Union, senior lieutenants N.Morozov and I.Kholodov. By personal example they foster courage and fearlessness of their subordinates. Morozov's aviation unit («Flight») is an aviation unit of heroes. The pilots of his air unit Muravitsky and Popov were previously awarded the title of Heroes of the Soviet Union. This unit shot down 32 enemy aircraft.

The success of pilots largely depends on accurate and fast work of observers, who in extremely short time notify about approaching enemy planes. There are cases, when observers shoot down enemy planes themselves. A Red Army soldier I. Maksenkov, who was awarded today, shot down a German plane with rifle.

Many enemy planes were shot down by our glorious gunners. The unit commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Nikiforov shot down 15 fascist planes on the outskirts of Moscow.The government's high award will raise our readiness to repel the enemy even higher. We do not overestimate the danger of enemy attack from the air, but we do not underestimate it either. Whether enemy planes are in the air or not. Whether the protected object is close to the front line or far away, the air defence units are on full alert at any time of the day or night.

-----------------------------------------------------------

"Krasnaya Zvezda" newspaper No 53 (5117) of 05 March 1942

(Newspaper of the People's Commissariat of Defence of the USSR)

Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR On awarding the title of Hero of the Soviet Union to the command staff of the anti-aircraft defence troopsFor the exemplary fulfillment of the command's missions at the front, fighting against the Nazi invaders, and displaying courage and heroism, to award the title Hero of the Soviet Union and to hand the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star Medal:1. Political instruktor Alexey Nikolaevich Godovikov.2. Lieutenant Ivan Filippovich Golubin.3. Senior Lieutenant Evgeny Mikhailovich Gorbatyuk.

4. Senior Lieutenant Ivan Nikolayevich Zabolotny.

5. Senior Lieutenant Ivan Nikolayevich Kalabushkin.

6. Lieutenant Venedikt Efimovich Kovalev.

7. Senior Lieutenant Anatoly Grigorievitch Lukyanov.

8. Second Lieutenant Vasily Nikolaevich Matakov.

9. Senior Lieutenant Nikolay Nikolaevich Morozov.

10. Senior Lieutenant Ivan Mikhailovich Kholodov.

11. Lieutenant Ivan Petrovich Shumilov.

Chairman of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme SovietМ. KALININ.Secretary of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme SovietА. GORKIN.Moscow, Kremlin. March 4, 1942

Article "Heroic pilots" (page 1)

By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, eleven pilots of the anti-aircraft defence aviation were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.This title was awarded to the squadron commander Senior Lieutenant Gorbatyuk. The pilots of his squadron made 635 sorties. More than one third of them were directed against enemy columns and airfields. The squadron shot down 13 fascist planes without suffering any losses. Senior lieutenant Gorbatyuk personally made over 200 sorties. In the air fights he shot down four German planes.

Lieutenant Golubin demonstrated high flying skill in fierce battles for Moscow. Memorable is the day of November 25, 1941. Eight of our "Mig" reflected the attack of twelve "Yunkers", accompanied by ten "Messerschmitt". The enemy tried to bomb Moscow. Lieutenant Golubin was one of eight Soviet pilots. He attacked two Messerschmitts, shot down one, and turned the other, already damaged, to flight. On the same day Comrade Golubin shot down two more fascist fighters. On November 29th the lieutenant participated in two air fights and shot down four more enemy planes.In total on the approaches to the capital Lieutenant Golubin shot down 10 planes personally and two together with other pilots.

Lieutenant Matakov performed 54 missions on attack of fascist columns. He destroyed 123 automobiles and 87 wagons with cargoes, 155 horses, as well as destroyed several hundreds of fascist soldiers and officers. In the air fights the junior lieutenant shot down 6 German planes.

The same number of enemy planes were shot down by senior lieutenant Kholodov. In the air fights he was swift and resolute. When flying up to the mission, Comrade Kholodov always looks for the enemy and bravely imposes him into battle. The senior lieutenant made 225 sorties, more than 40 of them were devoted to assaulting enemy troops.Lieutenant Shumilov proved himself as a fearless pilot in the battle for Moscow. Once, returning from an attack, he was attacked by seven Messerschmidtmi109. By this point the Soviet pilot was out of ammunition. Shumilov rammed one Messerschmitt, jumped out on his parachute and landed safely. The lieutenant destroyed eight enemy planes.The commissar of a squadron political instructor Godovikov performed 170 sorties during the Great Patriotic War. On February 7, he flew to intercept the fascist scout. At height of 7000 metres an air fight was begun. When ammunition was exhausted, Comrade Godovikov rammed the enemy car. The commissar died a valiant death.

A Flight of senior lieutenant Morozov shot down 34 fascist planes. The senior lieutenant shot down 12 of them personally. Once comrade Morozov and his Flight carried out a successful raid on the enemy airfield, having destroyed eight enemy planes.Senior lieutenant Kalabushkin showed excellent flight training. In his credit he shot down eight fascist planes. Six machines he shot down in the group fights.The title of the Hero of the Soviet Union was also given to senior lieutenant Zabolotny, who shot down 9 enemy machines, lieutenant Kovalev and senior lieutenant Lukyanov.

The "Stalin Falcon" newspaper No. 28 (77) of March 06, 1942.Article "Sharp to bear air watch" (page 1)

Yesterday our whole army, the whole country learned the names of new Heroes of the Soviet Union, new valiant soldiers who distinguished themselves in the fight against the German invaders. By decrees of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, soldiers and commanders of the air defense of the country and the local anti-aircraft defense of Moscow were awarded orders and medals. Eleven outstanding pilots by their courage and heroism deserved the title Hero of the Soviet Union. Among them are political instructor A. N. Godovikov, Lieutenant I. F. Golubin, Senior Lieutenants E. M. Gorbatov, I. N. Zabolotny, I. N. Kalabushkin, Lieutenant B. Е. Kovalev, Senior Lieutenant Lukyanov, Junior Lieutenant Matakov, Senior Lieutenants Morozov and Kholodov, and Lieutenant Shumilov.

Glory to the heroes! They deserved the honour and respect of all the Soviet people.The decrees of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on awarding the best people of the combat units of anti-aircraft defense say a lot to the heart of Stalin's falcons, to the heart of all Soviet people.

They are evidence of the fact that our aviation in close contact with all branches of the air defence forces - anti-aircraft gunners, observers, signalers, "eavesdroppers" - coped with the battle watch to protect our cities and our home capital from the Nazi raids.

The enemy set out to bring demoralization into our ranks by massive strikes on the rear, to destroy our industrial and military facilities and thus undermine the power of the Red Army; the enemy wanted to set our cities on fire and to exterminate the civilian population. But the vicious plans of the fascists did not come true. The brave and skillful actions of aviation and artillery, accurate, sharp work of the whole system of air defense led to the fact that the black plots of German invaders collapsed with a crash.

The iron will, determination and skill of your pilots, anti-aircraft gunners, searchlight guards, observation posts, warning centers, their determination to sacrifice their lives to save thousands of civilians and to save our factories, plants and cultural wealth from destruction, have served as a powerful, formidable weapon. The enemy was also defeated on the air approaches to Moscow. An impenetrable ring of fire, created by anti-aircraft gunners around Moscow and other cities, deadly blows of our fighters day and night prevented the Nazi kites from approaching our industrial and military facilities, our beloved capital.

The Germans paid dearly for their attempts to bomb Moscow. On the outskirts of the capital our glorious pilots and precise anti-aircraft gunners destroyed over a thousand enemy planes. During the war the enemy sent several thousand planes to Moscow alone. However, few of them managed to reach the capital. The vast majority of Nazi air pirates were scattered on the outskirts of it or shot down. On the approaches to our vital centres, on the ground near Moscow numerous cadres of German pilots found their grave.Dedication and unity of all people of our air defense, close and accurate contact of all anti-aircraft forces - that is what prevented enemy's plans and ensured our victory in the air, that is what protected our military and industrial facilities, our civilian cities from significant damage.

In the air battles for Moscow a large group of Stalinist falcons grew, hardened, and enriched with great experience, who serve as a model of fulfilling their military duty to the fatherland, of keeping their oath to the motherland - the military oath. And in the front row are eleven new Heroes of the Soviet Union. They set an example of courage and valour, they used the weapon of the bravest - the ram. Heroes of the Soviet Union Shumilov, Lukyanov and others successfully rammed fascist planes. Heroes of the Soviet Union Godovikov and Kovalev gave their lives defending our capital and our cities. Their feat is immortal, and the motherland will never forget it.

The battles against Nazi aircraft hardened the air defence units. The skill of the pilots, anti-aircraft gunners and other air defence representatives increased. It was thanks to the skill and courage of our pilots and gunners that the Nazi pirates changed their tactics. They were forced to abandon attacks in large numbers, and switched to bombing by single planes, acting in echelon. Now they are approaching our industrial sites and cities, creeping up at high altitude.

On the air approaches to the Soviet cities the enemy aircraft received the crushing blows. But it would be an unforgivable mistake to rest on this. One must always remember the warning given by Comrade Stalin in his last order that there are still many difficulties ahead, that the enemy is defeated, but he is not yet defeated and - even less so - finished off. "The enemy is still strong. He will strain the last of his strength to succeed. And the more he suffers defeat, the more he will grow furious."

This instruction of Comrade Stalin is particularly important for our anti-aircraft defence. The beastly enemy will try and try to attack our cities, our capital. Some lull in the approaches to the cities is an apparent lull. Suffice it to recall that in January and February the pilots of the Moscow air defence zone shot down 104 fascist planes. The unsuccessful attempt of the Germans to attack Moscow on the night of March 6 also testifies to this. Consequently, there is no reason to reduce vigilance. On the contrary, our vigilance in the air and on the ground must be doubled, tripled.

We do not overestimate forces of the enemy, we know that his air force is firmly shattered, that we milled his best flying cadres on the approach to Moscow. But at the same time we can not weaken our wariness for a minute. The strength of anti-aircraft defense is, first of all, in constant readiness, day and night.

Always be ready to meet the enemy, and not only to meet, but also to destroy him! Always improve the interaction of all means of anti-aircraft defense, and in particular to ensure clear contact of anti-aircraft artillery with our fighters. Every effort should be made to strengthen and expand the training of experienced night fighters, remembering that they are a formidable weapon in the fight against Nazi raiders. Every air defence fighter unit must strenuously train new pilots who can fly at night, and continually take care to improve their night-time air combat specialists.

We will tirelessly improve our air defense service and make the interaction between anti-aircraft artillery and fighter aviation even stronger. We will use every spare minute we have to get the best possible command of our material equipment, to study the tactics, the habits of the enemy to hit him accurately in the air and on the ground, to beat him for sure, to destroy him ruthlessly.This high award obliges the soldiers and commanders of the whole system of anti-aircraft defense to raise their vigilance and offensive impulse even higher, to smash the enemy tirelessly until total victory.

Return to Aufkl. Gr. 122 Feb 1942