Early Life and Military Training
Pavel Ignatievich Chinyakov was born on January 21, 1909, in the city of Morshansk, Tambov Oblast, Russia. In 1926, he graduated from 9-year school No. 2 in Morshansk.
He joined the Red Army (RKKA) on October 11, 1928, as a Red Fleet sailor of the Baltic Fleet crew. In December 1928, he was sent to Kronstadt to the Artillery School. Upon completion, from June 1929, he served as a senior chemist instructor in the Baltic Fleet artillery training detachment. From September 1930, he was a senior chemist in the 2nd Air Defense Division of the Baltic Fleet.
In December 1931, through a Komsomol recruitment drive, he entered the Yeisk Naval Aviation School named after Stalin, graduating in December 1933 with a pilot-observer qualification. On December 15, 1933, he was sent to Oranienbaum to the 51st Aviation Detachment of the Baltic Fleet Air Force as a pilot-observer. From December 1934, he studied in Moscow at the Red Banner Chemical Advanced Training Courses for Mid-Level Commanders.
From June 1935, he served in Oranienbaum in the 20th Separate Naval Long-Range Reconnaissance Squadron of the Baltic Fleet Air Force as a regular pilot-observer and head of the chemical service. On March 17, 1936, he was promoted to lieutenant. From December 1936, for one year, he underwent flight training at the Yeisk Naval Aviation School named after Stalin.
In December 1937, he was sent to New Peterhof to the 30th Assault Squadron of the Baltic Fleet Air Force as a pilot. In May 1938, he was appointed flag navigator pilot in the 2nd Squadron of the 13th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Baltic Fleet Air Force.
Wartime Service and Decorations
From January 1939, he served in the 13th Separate Fighter Aviation Squadron of the Baltic Fleet Air Force as a junior pilot; from January 31, 1940, as a senior pilot; and from April 28, 1940, as communications chief. On May 2, 1939, he was promoted to senior lieutenant.
From November 30, 1939, to March 13, 1940, he participated in the Soviet-Finnish War. On April 21, 1940, he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. On September 16, 1940, he was assigned to the 71st Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Baltic Fleet Air Force as a flight commander in the 2nd Squadron. From February 14, 1941, he was deputy commander of the 2nd Squadron; from September 29, 1941, deputy commander of the 1st Squadron. On November 20, 1941, he was promoted to captain. On December 16, 1941, he was awarded a second Order of the Red Banner.
From December 1, 1942, he was a student in the command department of the Naval Air Force’s Advanced Officer Courses. Upon completion on March 5, 1943, he was sent to the Military Council of the Pacific Fleet. On July 8, 1943, he was appointed commander of the 1st Squadron of the 14th Aviation Regiment of the Pacific Fleet Air Force.
On March 2, 1944, he returned to the Baltic and was appointed deputy commander of the 3rd Squadron of the 3rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Baltic Fleet Air Force. On July 18, 1944, he was awarded a third Order of the Red Banner. On November 1, 1944, he was appointed deputy commander of the 3rd Squadron of the 1st Training Aviation Regiment of the Baltic Fleet Air Force. On November 3, 1944, he was awarded the Order of the Red Star.
Great Patriotic War Achievements
During the Great Patriotic War, P.I. Chinyakov completed 522 combat sorties, carried out 41 assault strikes against enemy personnel and equipment, and made 44 reconnaissance flights over military facilities and floating craft. He engaged in 61 aerial battles, in which he personally shot down 6 enemy aircraft and 2 in a group.
After the war, he continued his service in the Baltic Fleet Air Force. From December 28, 1945, he served as deputy squadron commander of the 10th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment. From March 24, 1946, he was acting commander of the 2nd Squadron of the 12th Fighter Aviation Regiment, and from April 30, 1946, commander of that squadron. On November 2, 1946, he was promoted to major. From March 7, 1947, he was in reserve.
Pavel Ignatievich Chinyakov died on the night of September 20-21, 1983.