Viktor Nikolaevich Buyanov

Viktor Nikolaevich Buyanov was born on November 5, 1912, in the village of Vikhlyayka, now part of the Novoburassky District of the Saratov Region, into a working-class family. He completed high school in Petrovsk and then enrolled in the Voronezh Aviation Technical School, from which he graduated in 1934. Concurrently, he also attended an aeroclub.

In the same year, 1934, he was conscripted into the Red Army. In 1937, he graduated from the Engels Military Aviation School for Pilots, completing his training as a military aviator.

Service in the Great Patriotic War

With the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, Buyanov entered active service. By July 15, 1943, as deputy commander of the 146th Fighter Aviation Regiment (7th Guards Fighter Aviation Division, 2nd Fighter Aviation Corps, 15th Air Army, Bryansk Front), Major V. N. Buyanov had completed 280 combat sorties.

In aerial battles, he personally shot down 9 enemy aircraft and 5 more as part of a group. For the courage and military valor demonstrated in battles against the enemy, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on September 2, 1943.

In total, Buyanov completed 309 combat sorties, and in 127 aerial battles, he personally shot down 12 enemy aircraft and 5 as part of a group, solidifying his status as an aviation ace.

Post-War Career and Decorations

After the war, he continued his service in the Air Force. In 1947, he completed courses for chiefs of political departments at the Air Force Academy, and in 1956, he graduated from the Military Academy of the General Staff. From 1965 onwards, he held responsible positions within the troops.

From 1971, Major General of Aviation V. N. Buyanov was in the reserve. He was awarded the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner (twice), the Patriotic War 1st degree, the Red Star, and the medals “For Combat Merit,” “For the Capture of Berlin,” “For the Liberation of Prague,” and four others.

Additionally, he received the Czechoslovak “War Cross” and the Polish medals “For the Liberation of Poland” and “For Oder, Neisse, Baltic.” He passed away on July 14, 1976, and was buried in Odessa.