A Biography of a Hero of the Soviet Union A. T. Sevastjanov

Abstract

The article is devoted to the difficult fate of the defender of Leningrad during days its blockade, a fighter pilot of air defense troops, Hero of the Soviet Union A. T. Sevastyanov (1917–23.04.1942). Night air ram German bomber from 4th to 5th November 1941 over Leningrad forever inscribed his name in the history of the city’s on Neva defense. However, in reports, essays, articles, biographical information Sevastyanov combat work reduced to the description of this feat, air combat (according to witnesses), in which the pilot was died April 23, 1942 as well as the discovery of his remains in June 1971. Archived documents can extend the repose of his militant work, and understand the reasons for which, because of circumstances beyond his control, led to the death. Contrary to the widespread opinion that the title of Hero of the Soviet Union was allegedly given to the pilot Sevastyanov posthumously, the author shows that the his award list was presented long before his death. It is important to emphasize the circumstances that largely predetermined the fate of the pilot. Sevastyanov died, piloting the MiG-3 and he did not have the opportunity to participate in air battles with this aircraft. Before that, covering the besieged Leningrad sky, he flew on an I-153 plane, which was used mainly for attack of ground targets, because its tactical and technical characteristics, especially speed and vertical maneuver, were lower than the same characteristics of the enemy airplanes. In addition, after the heroic night ram-attach on November 4, 1941 and until the last combat sortie, he did not took part in aerial battles.