Ilya Vasilyevich Shmelyov (Russian: Илья Васильевич Шмелёв; 2 August [O.S. 20 July] 1917 — 25 December 1979) was a Soviet fighter pilot during World War II. Awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union on 23 August 1943 for his initial victories, by the end of the war his tally stood at an estimated 27 solo and 10 shared shootdowns, although more conservative estimates put the figure at 26 solo and one shared.[1]
Ilya Shmelyov | |
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 | |
| Native name | Илья Васильевич Шмелёв |
| Born | 2 August [O.S. 20 July] 1917 Moscow, Moscow Governorate, Russian Empire |
| Died | 25 December 1979 (aged 62) Moscow, RSFSR, USSR |
| Allegiance |  Soviet Union |
| Service |  Soviet Air Force |
| Years of service | 1938—1957 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Hero of the Soviet Union |
References
edit- ^ Bykov, Mikhail (2014). Все асы Сталина. 1936–1953 [Aces of Stalin. 1936–1953]. Moscow: Yauza. pp. 1355–1356. ISBN 978-5-9955-0712-3. OCLC 879321002.
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