Born: 1921 (Moscow, Russia)
Died: 1943 (Orel, Russia)
Biography:
Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak, also known as Lilya, was a remarkable fighter pilot in the Soviet Air Force during World War II. Born in Moscow on August 18, 1921, she became a pioneering female aviator who left a lasting impact on women’s history. Her career was marked by exceptional bravery, numerous accomplishments, and a tragic end.
From a young age, Litvyak showed an interest in aviation. At the age of 14, she joined a flying club and quickly developed her skills. By 15, she performed her first solo flight, and later, she graduated from the Kherson military flying school. Litvyak’s passion for flying led her to become a flight instructor at the Kalinin Airclub, where she imparted her knowledge to the next generation of pilots. By the time the war broke out, she had already trained an impressive 45 pilots.
When the German invasion of the Soviet Union began in June 1941, Litvyak attempted to join a military aviation unit. However, due to her lack of combat experience, she was initially turned down. Undeterred, she exaggerated her pre-war flight time by 100 hours and eventually joined the all-female 586th Fighter Aviation Regiment, which was formed by Marina Raskova. Here, she trained on the Yakovlev Yak-1 aircraft.
Litvyak flew her first combat missions in the summer of 1942 over Saratov. In September of that year, she was assigned to the 437th Fighter Aviation Regiment, a men’s regiment fighting over Stalingrad. Together with fellow female pilots Yekaterina Budanova, Mariya Kuznetsova, and Raisa Belyaeva, she relocated to the regiment’s airfield at Verkhnaia Akhtuba on the Volga river. Despite facing constant danger and adversity, Litvyak excelled in combat, achieving remarkable success.
Her combat record is an area of debate among historians, with estimates of her total victories ranging from five to twelve solo kills and two to four shared kills in her 66 combat sorties. Notably, Litvyak became the first female fighter pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft, the first of two female fighter pilots to earn the prestigious title of fighter ace, and held the record for the highest number of kills by a female fighter pilot at the time.
Tragically, on August 1, 1943, during the Battle of Kursk, Litvyak’s heroic journey came to an end. While attacking a formation of German aircraft near Orel, she was shot down and killed. Her death marked the loss of an incredibly talented pilot and a symbol of women’s contribution to the war effort.
Despite her untimely demise, Lydia Litvyak’s legacy lives on. She played a significant role in challenging gender norms and paving the way for future generations of female aviators. Her extraordinary courage, determination, and accomplishments continue to inspire women in the field of aviation and beyond.