Ivan Kozhedub

Ivan Kozhedub was a Soviet fighter pilot who became the highest-scoring Allied ace of World War II, credited with 64 aerial victories. He received the title Hero of the Soviet Union three times.

Connect

Sergey Goryunov: A Soviet military commander who led the 302nd Fighter Aviation Division during World War II. Kozhedub served in Goryunov’s division during the war.
Lavochkin La-5: A Soviet radial-engine fighter aircraft used extensively on the Eastern Front. Kozhedub scored many victories while flying the La-5.
Obrazhiivka: A village in present-day Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, where Ivan Kozhedub was born. Kozhedub’s early life began in this village in 1920.
Hero of the Soviet Union: The highest honorary title of the Soviet Union, awarded for exceptional service to the state. Kozhedub received the title three times, an exceptionally rare distinction.
Georgy Nefedov: A Soviet fighter pilot who served as Ivan Kozhedub’s wingman. Their partnership linked Kozhedub’s individual victories to coordinated fighter tactics.
Lavochkin La-7: A Soviet piston-engine fighter introduced late in World War II, known for speed and maneuverability. Kozhedub flew the La-7 during the final phase of his wartime service.
Soviet Air Force: The air arm of the Soviet armed forces, established after the Russian Revolution and reorganized over time. Kozhedub’s training and wartime service took place within this institution.
Marshal of Aviation: A senior Soviet military rank for leaders of the air forces, equivalent to an army marshal’s rank. Kozhedub reached this rank after his wartime flying career.
Alexander Pokryshkin: A Soviet fighter ace and air commander credited with 59 aerial victories in World War II. Pokryshkin was another celebrated Soviet ace, with a distinct record and command career.
Fighter aircraft: Military aircraft designed primarily to destroy or drive away other aircraft. Kozhedub’s work belonged to the broader role of fighter aviation.