Ivan Ivanovich Borisenko

Born on September 28, 1923, in the city of Zaporozhye, into a working-class family. He completed 9 grades of high school and graduated from the Zaporozhye aeroclub. In 1940, he joined the Red Army, and in 1942, he graduated from the Kacha Military Aviation School for Pilots.

Early Life and Military Training

Borisenko served on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War from September 1942. As part of the 296th Fighter Aviation Regiment (later the 73rd Guards), he participated in battles on the Stalingrad, Southwestern, 1st, 2nd, and 4th Ukrainian Fronts. He was wounded during his service and flew “Yak” aircraft.

World War II Combat Record

By March 1945, Guards Captain I. I. Borisenko, deputy squadron commander of the 73rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (6th Guards Fighter Aviation Division, 8th Air Army, 2nd Ukrainian Front), had completed 245 combat sorties. He engaged in 63 aerial battles, personally shooting down 23 enemy aircraft and 1 spotter balloon, in addition to 2 enemy aircraft and 2 balloons as part of a group.

By the end of the war, he had accumulated a total of 260 successful combat sorties and participated in 70 aerial battles. He confirmed the personal downing of 26 enemy aircraft and 2 in a group with comrades.

For his courage and military valor displayed in battles against enemies, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on May 15, 1946.

Post-War Career and Legacy

After the war ended, he continued to serve in the Air Force. In 1953, he graduated from the Military Air Force Academy and mastered several types of jet fighters.

Colonel I. I. Borisenko was demobilized in 1975. He lived and worked in Kyiv until his death on April 22, 1988.

He was awarded the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner (three times), Bogdan Khmelnitsky 3rd degree, the Patriotic War 1st degree, the Labor Red Banner, the Red Star (twice), “For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR” 3rd degree, and various medals.