Nikolai Petrovich Belousov

Nikolai Petrovich Belousov was born on May 3, 1923, in the village of Dubovyy Ovrag, now in the Volgograd region. After completing seven years of schooling and an aeroclub, he was sent to the Bataisk Military Aviation School, and then to the Rustavi Military Aviation School, from which he graduated in 1942.

Frontline Combat Service

Belousov joined the front in March 1943, flying La-5FN fighters. He achieved his first victory in one of his initial combat sorties, destroying a Ju-88. On August 15, 1943, after shooting down a Ju-87, he was wounded by a burst from the bomber’s gunner but managed to bring his aircraft back to the airfield.

As squadron commander (Komesk) of the 177th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (previously 193rd IAP, 302nd IAD, 4th GvIAC, 5th VA), Guards Captain Belousov completed 265 combat sorties. He engaged in 50 aerial battles, personally shooting down 22 enemy aircraft.

Post-War Life and Honors

After the war, Belousov was demobilized and worked as a foreman of fitters. He was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on July 1, 1944. His decorations include the Order of Lenin, three Orders of the Red Banner, two Orders of the Patriotic War 1st class, and various medals.

He lived in Volgograd, where he passed away on April 22, 2006.