# Alexander Pokryshkin

> Soviet aviator (1913-1985)

**Wikidata**: [Q159582](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q159582)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Pokryshkin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alexander-pokryshkin

## Summary
Alexander Pokryshkin was a Soviet aviator, fighter pilot, and politician, renowned as one of the most successful and decorated flying aces of World War II. Born in the Russian Empire in 1913, he became a triple Hero of the Soviet Union and a key figure in the Soviet Air Forces, contributing significantly to the Eastern Front during World War II.

## Biography
- **Born:** March 6, 1913 (February 21, 1913, Old Style), Novosibirsk, Russian Empire
- **Died:** November 13, 1985, Moscow, Soviet Union
- **Nationality:** Soviet (later Russian)
- **Education:**
  - Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots (graduated 1932)
  - M.V. Frunze Military Academy
  - Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia
- **Known for:** Being a top Soviet flying ace during World War II, with 59 confirmed aerial victories, and a triple Hero of the Soviet Union.
- **Employer(s):**
  - Soviet Air Forces
  - All-Union Leninist Young Communist League (Komsomol)
- **Field(s):** Military aviation, politics

## Contributions
Alexander Pokryshkin made significant contributions to military aviation and the Soviet war effort during World War II. His combat record includes:
- **59 confirmed aerial victories** during World War II, making him one of the top Soviet flying aces.
- **Development of tactical innovations** in air combat, including the "Pokryshkin Turn," a maneuver to evade enemy fire and reposition for attack.
- **Leadership roles** in the Soviet Air Forces, training and mentoring other pilots.
- **Political contributions** as a member of the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League (Komsomol) and later as a politician.

## FAQs
**What were Alexander Pokryshkin's major achievements during World War II?**
Alexander Pokryshkin was one of the most successful Soviet flying aces of World War II, with 59 confirmed aerial victories. He was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union three times, a rare and prestigious honor.

**What tactical innovations is Alexander Pokryshkin known for?**
Pokryshkin is credited with developing the "Pokryshkin Turn," a maneuver that allowed pilots to evade enemy fire and reposition for a counterattack. This tactic became widely adopted in Soviet air combat training.

**What awards and honors did Alexander Pokryshkin receive?**
Pokryshkin received numerous awards, including:
- Hero of the Soviet Union (three times)
- Order of Lenin (four times)
- Order of the Red Banner (four times)
- Order of the October Revolution
- Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class
- Gold Star medal
- Order of the Red Star (three times)
- Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Medal "For the Defence of the Caucasus"
- Medal "For the Liberation of Prague"
- Medal "For the Capture of Berlin"
- Jubilee Medal "30 Years of the Soviet Army and Navy"
- Medal "In Commemoration of the 800th Anniversary of Moscow"
- Jubilee Medal "40 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Medal "For the Development of Virgin Lands"
- Jubilee Medal "Twenty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Jubilee Medal "50 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Jubilee Medal "In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin"
- Jubilee Medal "Thirty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Jubilee Medal "60 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Medal "For Strengthening of Brotherhood in Arms"
- Medal "In Commemoration of the 1500th Anniversary of Kyiv"
- Medal "Veteran of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Jubilee Medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
- Order of Sukhbaatar (Mongolia)
- Order of the Red Banner (Mongolia)
- Order of Tudor Vladimirescu (Romania)
- Honorary citizen of Mariupol (Ukraine)

**What was Alexander Pokryshkin's role in the Soviet Air Forces?**
Pokryshkin served as a fighter pilot and later as a commander and instructor in the Soviet Air Forces. He played a crucial role in training new pilots and developing combat tactics that improved the effectiveness of Soviet air operations.

**What is the significance of the "Pokryshkin Turn"?**
The "Pokryshkin Turn" is a tactical maneuver that involves a sharp turn to evade enemy fire and reposition for a counterattack. This innovation became a standard technique in Soviet air combat training and contributed to the success of Soviet pilots in World War II.

## Why They Matter
Alexander Pokryshkin's contributions to military aviation and his role in World War II had a lasting impact on Soviet air combat tactics and training. His innovations, such as the "Pokryshkin Turn," improved the effectiveness of Soviet pilots and influenced air combat strategies. His leadership and mentorship helped shape the next generation of Soviet aviators, and his achievements as a flying ace made him a symbol of Soviet military prowess. Without his contributions, the Soviet Air Forces might not have achieved the same level of success during World War II.

## Notable For
- Being a triple Hero of the Soviet Union, one of the highest honors in the Soviet Union.
- Achieving 59 confirmed aerial victories during World War II, making him one of the top Soviet flying aces.
- Developing the "Pokryshkin Turn," a tactical maneuver widely adopted in Soviet air combat training.
- Receiving numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Lenin, Order of the Red Banner, and Order of the October Revolution.
- Serving as a commander and instructor in the Soviet Air Forces, training and mentoring other pilots.
- Being an honorary citizen of Mariupol, Ukraine.
- Having a Novosibirsk Metro Station named after him (Marshala Pokryshkina).

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Alexander Ivanovich Pokryshkin was born on March 6, 1913 (February 21, 1913, Old Style) in Novosibirsk, Russian Empire. He developed an early interest in aviation and pursued a career in military aviation. Pokryshkin graduated from the Kacha Higher Military Aviation School of Pilots in 1932, marking the beginning of his distinguished career in the Soviet Air Forces.

### Military Career and World War II
Pokryshkin's military career spanned several decades, with his most notable contributions occurring during World War II. He served on the Eastern Front, where he became one of the most successful Soviet flying aces, with 59 confirmed aerial victories. His combat record and tactical innovations, such as the "Pokryshkin Turn," made him a key figure in the Soviet Air Forces.

### Tactical Innovations
Pokryshkin is credited with developing the "Pokryshkin Turn," a maneuver that allowed pilots to evade enemy fire and reposition for a counterattack. This innovation became widely adopted in Soviet air combat training and contributed to the success of Soviet pilots in World War II.

### Awards and Honors
Pokryshkin received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to military aviation and the Soviet war effort. These include:
- Hero of the Soviet Union (three times)
- Order of Lenin (four times)
- Order of the Red Banner (four times)
- Order of the October Revolution
- Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class
- Gold Star medal
- Order of the Red Star (three times)
- Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Medal "For the Defence of the Caucasus"
- Medal "For the Liberation of Prague"
- Medal "For the Capture of Berlin"
- Jubilee Medal "30 Years of the Soviet Army and Navy"
- Medal "In Commemoration of the 800th Anniversary of Moscow"
- Jubilee Medal "40 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Medal "For the Development of Virgin Lands"
- Jubilee Medal "Twenty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Jubilee Medal "50 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Jubilee Medal "In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin"
- Jubilee Medal "Thirty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Jubilee Medal "60 Years of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Medal "For Strengthening of Brotherhood in Arms"
- Medal "In Commemoration of the 1500th Anniversary of Kyiv"
- Medal "Veteran of the Armed Forces of the USSR"
- Jubilee Medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"
- Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
- Order of Sukhbaatar (Mongolia)
- Order of the Red Banner (Mongolia)
- Order of Tudor Vladimirescu (Romania)
- Honorary citizen of Mariupol (Ukraine)

### Political and Later Life
In addition to his military career, Pokryshkin was affiliated with the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League (Komsomol) and later became involved in politics. He continued to serve in the Soviet Air Forces and was a respected figure in military and political circles. Pokryshkin passed away on November 13, 1985, in Moscow, Soviet Union.

### Legacy
Alexander Pokryshkin's legacy endures through his contributions to military aviation and his role in World War II. His tactical innovations and leadership have had a lasting impact on Soviet air combat tactics and training. His achievements as a flying ace and his numerous awards and honors have made him a symbol of Soviet military prowess. His name is commemorated in various ways, including the Marshala Pokryshkina Novosibirsk Metro Station.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. warheroes.ru
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Historical Encyclopedia of Siberia
5. SNAC
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. LIBRIS. 2012
9. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands