Callsign “Maestro”
Air Marshal Twice Hero of the Soviet Union Nikolai Mikhailovich Skomorokhov
End of 1944. There is a fierce battle in the sky over Budapest. In mortal combat – two planes. Senior Lieutenant Nikolai Skomorokhov got a serious opponent. The forces are almost equal. But the Russian pilot was stronger. He shot down the Messerschmitt. If not for the case, N. Skomorokhov would never have known who the German ace he shot down was.
Two weeks later, in a series of others – another fight, just as stubborn and hard. Similar handwriting: instant reaction, iron endurance, jewelry skill. But in this battle, Nikolai Skomorokhov emerged victorious. Continue reading
Air Marshal Nikolai Mikhailovich Skomorokhov
The future ace pilot was born into a peasant family. In 1930, the family moved to Astrakhan, where in 1935 Nikolai graduated from the 7th grade. For the next two years, he studied at the factory apprenticeship school (FZU). After graduating from the FZU, he worked as a fitter and turner at a shipyard named after the III International. At the same time he graduated from the library technical school. Since 1939, he simultaneously studied and underwent primary flight training at the Astrakhan flying club. Continue reading
Black wings of Spain…
Medal “Participant in the Spanish Civil War” in an award box, on the original ribbon with an authentic hairpin. Bronze, gilding, blackening. Kleymo A.M. Excellent collectible condition. The medal, simply called “Condor” among the troops, was established in 1939 and was issued to participants in the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939 who fought against the Republicans. Among others, this award was received by the German military. In November 1936, Hitler sent the Luftwaffe Condor aviation unit to Spain to help Franco’s nationalists, who started a civil war against the communist government. Continue reading
