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Talgat passed away in the age of 93. He had 305 combat sorties, on his IL-2 and survived from January 1943 through May 1945. Fighting on a IL-2 close support atack aircraft he had shot down 7 enemy aircraft. He was shot down twice on the enemy territory, both times returned to his regiment.
In those years, piloting IL-2 was quite a risky job, many did not survive 10 sorties. Talgat survived 305! Many IL-2 become prey to German fighters, Talgat shot down 7 enemy aircraft including 3 fighers, all confirmed on the ground.
Morevoer, being shot down he landed both times on the enemy territory to save his gunners, and each time he managed to cross the front line and return to his regiment, though one of his gunner was killed on the neutral zone. He was awarded two USSR Gold Hero Medals.
He returned from the war, served in Soviet air force and then flew as a civil aviation pilot until retired. Everybody who knew him tell he was very modest and low demanding guy. Until he died yesterday he was the last veteran with 2 Hero Medals alive. R.I.P.
In those years, piloting IL-2 was quite a risky job, many did not survive 10 sorties. Talgat survived 305! Many IL-2 become prey to German fighters, Talgat shot down 7 enemy aircraft including 3 fighers, all confirmed on the ground.
Morevoer, being shot down he landed both times on the enemy territory to save his gunners, and each time he managed to cross the front line and return to his regiment, though one of his gunner was killed on the neutral zone. He was awarded two USSR Gold Hero Medals.
He returned from the war, served in Soviet air force and then flew as a civil aviation pilot until retired. Everybody who knew him tell he was very modest and low demanding guy. Until he died yesterday he was the last veteran with 2 Hero Medals alive. R.I.P.
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