Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub (1920 - 1991), colonel-general of the Air Force, trice Hero of the Soviet Union (1944, 1944, 1945).

During the World War 2 he served as a fighter pilot, from March 1943 on, at several fronts (Voronezh, Steppen, 2nd Ukrainian, 1st Belorussian) and in different positions, starting from the senior airman up to the deputy commander of the air regiment.

Kozhedub's WWII record:

  • 330 combat missions
  • 120 air fights
  • 62 enemy aircraft shot down