Aleksey Ignatyevich Bezverkhiy

Aleksey Ignatyevich Bezverkhiy was born on March 23, 1921, in the village of Andreevka, now Novosanjar District, Poltava Region, Ukraine, to a peasant family. He completed high school, an aeroclub, and three courses at the Poltava Automobile and Road Technical School. In 1940, he joined the Red Army.

In 1941, he graduated from the Chuguev Military Aviation School for Pilots, and in 1942, from the Konotop Aviation School. He served on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War starting in June 1943, fighting as part of the 247th Fighter Aviation Regiment.

Distinguished Combat Record

By the end of the war, as a squadron commander of the 156th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (12th Guards Fighter Aviation Division, 1st Guards Assault Aviation Corps, 2nd Air Army, 1st Ukrainian Front), Guards Senior Lieutenant A. I. Bezverkhiy completed 333 successful combat sorties. He participated in 47 aerial battles, personally shooting down 15 enemy aircraft and one as part of a group.

Hero of the Soviet Union

For the courage and bravery displayed in battles against the enemy, Aleksey Ignatyevich Bezverkhiy was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on June 27, 1945.

Post-War Service and Honors

After the war, Aleksey Ignatyevich continued his service in the Air Force. In 1961, Colonel A. I. Bezverkhiy was transferred to the reserve. He lived in the city of Kharkiv and passed away on June 17, 2004.

He was awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner (four times), the Order of Alexander Nevsky, the Order of the Patriotic War 1st Class (twice), the Order of the Red Star, and various medals.