Vasily Nikolaevich Chelpanov was born on March 12, 1918, in the city of Kholm, now Novgorod region, into a working-class family. He received an incomplete secondary education.
Early Military Career and Wartime Service
He joined the Red Army (RKKA) in 1936 and graduated from the Perm Military Aviation School of Pilots in 1938. Chelpanov participated in the Soviet-Finnish War of 1939-1940 and subsequently in the Great Patriotic War, beginning in June 1941.
As a lieutenant and deputy squadron commander of the 24th Short-Range Bomber Aviation Regiment, 241st Composite Aviation Division of the Air Force, 13th Army of the Southwestern Front, V. N. Chelpanov flew 60 combat missions between June and October 1941. During this period, he destroyed 18 tanks, 34 vehicles, and 10 enemy armored vehicles, as well as a fuel and lubricants depot, and conducted dozens of reconnaissance flights.
The Heroic Sacrifice at Livny
On November 27, 1941, Chelpanov detected an enemy tank column. After loading ammunition, he took off to bomb the column near the city of Livny, Oryol region. During the engagement, his aircraft was hit by enemy fire.
Despite having the opportunity to save himself, Chelpanov chose not to bail out. In an act of extreme bravery, he directed his burning aircraft directly into the concentration of enemy tanks. After the liberation of the city, witnesses recounted the pilot’s heroic deed.
Posthumous Recognition
On February 14, 1943, Vasily Nikolaevich Chelpanov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. His body was laid to rest in the city of Livny. He was also decorated with the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner, and the Red Star, along with several medals.