Born on August 14, 1912, in the village of Ivanovka, Kherson Governorate. He completed two courses at the Kherson Road-Mechanical Technical School. In 1940, he graduated from the Kharkov Military Aviation Pilot School.
World War II Combat Service
Starting in January 1942, he was on the front line. He fought at Stalingrad, on the Kursk Bulge, and over the Dnieper. He served initially with the 27th IAP (later the 129th GIAP) and subsequently with the 508th IAP.
Chepinoga flew Yak-1 and “Aircobra” aircraft. By May 1944, Squadron Commander Captain Chepinoga of the 508th IAP had completed over 100 combat sorties. In 37 aerial battles, he personally shot down 23 enemy aircraft and one in a group.
Post-War Life and Decorations
Major Chepinoga was demobilized from the Armed Forces in 1947. Afterward, he worked as the Deputy Chairman of the Saratov Regional Committee of DOSAAF. He passed away on July 12, 1963.
He was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union on October 26, 1944. His decorations included the Order of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of Suvorov 3rd Class, and various medals.