# Valentina Grizodubova

> Soviet aviator (1909-1993)

**Wikidata**: [Q453829](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q453829)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentina_Grizodubova)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/valentina-grizodubova

## Summary
Valentina Grizodubova was a Soviet aviator who lived from 1909 to 1993. She is recognized as a Hero of the Soviet Union and a Hero of Socialist Labour for her contributions to aviation and her service during World War II.

## Biography
- **Born:** April 14, 1909
- **Died:** April 28, 1993
- **Nationality:** Soviet Union; Russia; Russian Empire
- **Education:** Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute
- **Occupation:** Aircraft pilot, Politician
- **Known for:** Service as a Soviet aviator and participation in World War II (conflict: Q362)

## Contributions
Valentina Grizodubova's career is defined by her service as an aircraft pilot for the Soviet Union. Her contributions are evidenced by the extensive list of state awards she received, recognizing her acts of heroism and her role in the Soviet war effort. She was a recipient of the highest honorary titles of the USSR, indicating significant achievements in her field and during wartime operations.

## FAQs
**What awards did Valentina Grizodubova receive?**
She received the title Hero of the Soviet Union and Hero of Socialist Labour. Additionally, she was awarded the Order of Lenin, Order of the October Revolution, Order of the Patriotic War 1st class, Order of the Red Banner of Labour, and the Order of the Red Star.

**What military service medals was she awarded?**
Her medals include the Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945," Jubilee Medals for 20, 30, and 40 years of victory, and medals for the defence of Leningrad, Moscow, and Stalingrad.

**Where was Valentina Grizodubova educated?**
She attended the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, a major technical university located in Kharkiv.

## Why They Matter
Valentina Grizodubova holds a significant place in Soviet history as a decorated female aviator and political figure. Her recognition with the titles Hero of the Soviet Union and Hero of Socialist Labour places her among the elite ranks of Soviet citizens who performed exceptional feats for the state. Her career bridged both aviation and political spheres, reflecting the multifaceted contributions of women in the Soviet Union during the mid-20th century.

## Notable For
- Being awarded the title **Hero of the Soviet Union**, the highest distinction in the USSR.
- Being awarded the title **Hero of Socialist Labour**, recognizing outstanding achievements in labour.
- Receiving the **Order of Lenin**, the highest decoration awarded by the Soviet Union.
- Service as an **aircraft pilot** during World War II.
- Receiving the **Medal "For the Defence of Leningrad"**, **Medal "For the Defence of Moscow"**, and **Medal "For the Defence of Stalingrad"**.
- Being a recipient of the **Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class**.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Valentina Stepanovna Grizodubova was born on April 14, 1909. Her educational background includes studies at the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute. This institution, founded in 1885, was a prestigious technical university known for engineering and scientific research, suggesting she received a strong technical education.

### Aviation and Military Career
Grizodubova is identified as an aircraft pilot, a profession she pursued within the context of the Soviet Union. Her career is notably linked to World War II (referred to in Soviet history as the Great Patriotic War). Her service record is extensively documented through the military decorations she received. She was awarded specific defense medals for her participation in the sieges and battles of Leningrad, Moscow, and Stalingrad, indicating her active involvement in some of the most critical fronts of the war.

### Political Involvement
In addition to her aviation career, Grizodubova is listed as a politician. This dual role as a pilot and political figure highlights her broader engagement in Soviet public life.

### Awards and Recognition
Grizodubova received a vast array of awards and medals throughout her lifetime, reflecting a lifetime of service and recognition by the Soviet state:
- **Highest Honors:** She was named a Hero of the Soviet Union and a Hero of Socialist Labour. She received the Order of Lenin multiple times (Q185493, Q478850) and the Order of the October Revolution.
- **Military Orders:** Her military decorations include the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class, the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, and the Order of the Red Star.
- **Campaign and Victory Medals:** She received the Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" and subsequent Jubilee Medals commemorating the 20th, 30th, and 40th anniversaries of that victory.
- **Defense Medals:** Her contributions to specific defensive operations were recognized with the Medal "For the Defence of Leningrad," Medal "For the Defence of Moscow," and Medal "For the Defence of Stalingrad."
- **Jubilee and Commemorative Medals:** She was awarded the Jubilee Medal "In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin," the Medal "Veteran of Labour," and Jubilee Medals for the 50th, 60th, and 70th anniversaries of the Armed Forces of the USSR.
- **City Commemorations:** She received the Medal "In Commemoration of the 800th Anniversary of Moscow" and the Jubilee Medal "In Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of Leningrad."

### Citizenship and Identity
Her citizenship is listed as the Soviet Union, Russia, and the Russian Empire, corresponding to the historical timeline of her life (1909–1993). She is identified as a human (instance of Q5) and her native name is listed as Валентина Степанівна Гризодубова.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013