Dzhanibek Golaev

Dzhanibek Nanakovich Golaev (Джанибек Нанакович Голаев; 1917 26 September 1943) was a Karachay flying ace in the Soviet Air Forces. Killed in action on the Eastern Front of the World War II, he was posthumously awarded the title of the Hero of the Russian Federation in 1995.

Early life
Golaev was born in 1917 in aul (village) of Batalpashinsky otdel, Kuban Oblast (located within — Karachay-Cherkessia). He was conscripted in 1938. Golaev completed training as a pilot, graduating on 18 June 1941.

World War II
Since August 1942, Golaev has been in frontline service. He participated in the Battle of Kursk (63 missions). He took part in 23 air battles, shot down 9 planes. Later he participated in the Battle of the Dnieper, in the battle that happened on September 9, 1943, he shot down four planes. He was wounded twice. On September 25, 1943, he died. It happened when Soviet aerodrome near Pryluky was bombed. Golaev tried to put out the planes. He was buried in a mass grave on the central square of Pryluky

To the moment of death, Golaev was in command of a squadron of 32nd Fighter Aviation Regiment of 256th Fighter Aviation Division of 2nd Air Army. In total, he participated in 102 war missions, 39 air battles, and shot down 15 planes. Because of his nationality, as some sources think, Golaev didn't become Hero of the Soviet Union.

Honours



 * Presidential degree of September 7, 1995 awarded Golaev title of the Hero of the Russian Federation, for «bravery and heroism that he has shown in fighting against German-fascist invaders in the Great Patriotic war of 1941-1945». The award was bestowed posthumously.
 * He was also awarded the Order of the Red Banner and Order of the Red Star.

Commemoration

 * A street in, Golaev's hometown, was named in his honour.