Russian Post 100th Birth Anniversary of Top Soviet World War II Ace

RUSSIAN POST in 2020 issued a 100th birth anniversary stamp of Soviet World War II fighter ace Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub (1920–1991). Most historians have credited him with over 60 solo victories. Others claim he made his 61st and 62nd victories – his final claims of the War – over Berlin on 16 April 1945. Additionally, he is considered to be the highest scoring Soviet and Allied fighter pilot of World War II. Shown in this maxi card (one of only 10 printed) with the first day cover stamp is one of the Soviet aircraft he flew while in combat with Nazi Germany aircraft.

The aircraft he flew included the Lavochkin La-5 (operated in 1943–1944) and Lavochkin La-5FN (operated in 1944). Kozhedub is one of the few pilots to have shot down a Messerschmitt Me 262 jet. And, he allegedly shot down two USAAF P-51 Mustang fighters in a friendly fire incident 17 April 1945.

The story goes he encountered a group of American B-17 Flying Fortresses under attack by Luftwaffe aircraft. His aircraft was apparently mistaken by American escort fighters for the enemy and attacked. Kozhedub, having no other option, defended himself by shooting down two of the P-51s. As of this writing, the story has not been confirmed completely. Film footage exists that had been touted as Kozhedub's actual gun camera film from the event; however, the footage was shot using Zeiss equipment, which was used primarily by the Luftwaffe.

In April 1951, promoted to Polkovnik (colonel), he commanded the 324th IAD (Fighter Air Division) and dispatched to Antung airfield on the China-North Korea border to fly the MiG-15 during the Korean War in support of North Korean forces. He was not given permission to participate in combat missions. Under his leadership the 324th IAD claimed 239 victories, including 12 Boeing B-29 Superfortresses for the loss of 27 MiG-15s in combat and 9 pilots.

Kozhedub was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union three times (1944, 1944, 1945), seven Orders of the Red Banner, two Order of Alexander Nevsky, two Orders of the Red Star, Order of the Patriotic War First Class, and numerous medals. He was promoted to his final rank of Marshal shortly before retirement.

Source: Wikipedia