Vasily Maksimovich Afonin (Russian: Васи́лий Макси́мович Афо́нин; 10 February 1919 – 4 January 1996) was a Soviet flying ace who fought in the German-Soviet War. He also participated in the Winter War of 1939–1940. During the German-Soviet War he fought with the 72nd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, flying at various times the LaGG-3, Yak-1, Yak-7, Yak-9 and Yak-3.
Vasily Maksimovich Afonin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Native name | Василий Максимович Афонин |
| Born | 10 February 1919 Mostovaya village, Tula Governorate, RSFSR |
| Died | 4 January 1996 (aged 76) Moscow, Russian Federation |
| Allegiance |  Soviet Union |
| Service/ |  Soviet Air Force |
| Years of service | 1938–1955 |
| Rank | Major |
| Battles/wars | Winter War World War II |
| Awards | Hero of the Russian Federation |
Retiring at the rank of major, Afonin was officially credited with 14 personal and 3 shared victories over the course of 487 sorties.[1][2]
Awards and honors edit
- Hero of the Russian Federation (2 May 1996)
- Three Order of the Red Banner, three times (16 January 1943, 21 July 1943, 12 July 1944)
- Order of the Patriotic War (1st Class - 27 August 1943; 2nd Class - 15 January 1945 and 3 November 1985)
- Medal "For Battle Merit"
- campaign and jubilee medals
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Bykov, Mikhail (2014). Все асы Сталина. 1936 - 1953 гг (in Russian). Moscow: Yauza. pp. 69–70. ISBN 978-5-9955-0712-3.
- ^ a b Simonov, Andrey. "Афонин Василий Максимович". www.warheroes.ru. Retrieved 21 August 2020.