zoom_in Click to enlarge

Grigory Rechkalov

▲ ▼

description Grigory Rechkalov Overview

Grigory Rechkalov was a Soviet fighter pilot and flying ace during the Second World War, serving with the 16th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment on the Eastern Front. Flying Lavochkin and Bell P-39 Airacobra aircraft, he was credited with 56 individual and 6 shared aerial victories. He was twice awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his combat record. After the war, he continued to serve in the Soviet Air Forces and later wrote memoirs about his experiences.

help Grigory Rechkalov FAQ

Who was Grigory Rechkalov?

Grigory Rechkalov was a Soviet fighter pilot and flying ace in the Second World War. He served with the 16th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment on the Eastern Front.

How many aerial victories was Rechkalov credited with?

Soviet records credited Rechkalov with 56 individual victories and 6 shared victories. Such totals distinguish aircraft he claimed alone from victories recorded jointly with another pilot.

Which aircraft did Grigory Rechkalov fly?

He flew Soviet Lavochkin fighters and the American Bell P-39 Airacobra supplied through Lend-Lease. The P-39 was especially important for several Soviet fighter units on the Eastern Front.

What rank or honors did Rechkalov receive?

Rechkalov became a twice-recognized Hero of the Soviet Union, one of the country's highest wartime honors. He continued serving in the Soviet Air Force after the Second World War.