Born: 1901 (Tver, Russia)
Died: 1988
Biography:
Nadia (Nadejda) Russo-Bossie (17 June 1901 – 22 January 1988) was a Romanian military aviator during World War II. She was a member of the White Squadron, a team of female aviators who flew medical aircraft during the war. Romania was the only country in the world to allow women to pilot medical missions during the war.
Nadia was born Nadejda Brjozovska in Tver, Russia, near Moscow, in 1901. Her father, Evgheni Vasilievici Brjozovski, was a cavalry general (1857-1915), and her mother came from an old aristocratic family. However, tragedy struck when Nadia became an orphan as a teenager.
In 1917, with the Bolshevik revolution erupting in Russia, Nadia and her sister managed to escape the turmoil with the help of her father’s former compatriots. They sought refuge in Bessarabia, which then became part of the Kingdom of Romania.
In 1925, Nadia married Alexandru (Saa) Russo, a wealthy Bessarabian landlord much older than her. Unfortunately, their marriage lasted only a few years, leading Nadia to relocate to Bucharest, where she pursued studies in nursing, aviation, and fine arts.
Nadia’s interest in aviation led her to become the ninth person in Romania to earn a pilot’s license. In 1937, she arranged to purchase her own airplane, a Bücker Bü 131. Half of the purchase price was funded by the Romanian Ministry of Air, while the other half was raised through public subscription.
With her personal plane, Nadia proudly represented Romania. In 1938, she participated in the Rally of the Little Antante, where she distinguished herself as the only competitor to travel the 4,000 kilometers (almost 2,500 miles) alone, without a flight attendant. King Carol II recognized her remarkable achievement by awarding her the Order Aeronautical Virtue of peace, the Golden Cross class.
As tensions escalated in Europe in 1938, Nadia received an invitation to join the newly formed all-female aviation team, known as the White Squadron. The other four women who joined her were Mariana Drgescu, Virginia Thomas, Marina tirbei, and Irina Burnaia. Unfortunately, Virginia Dutescu, another pilot, fell ill and was unable to fly again.
During the Stalingrad campaign, Russo flew extensively as part of the White Squadron. The pilots of the squadron played a crucial role in saving the lives of over 1,500 soldiers injured on the front lines throughout the war.
After the war, despite her outstanding wartime contributions, Nadia Russo faced persecution along with other aviation officers who were accused of having contacts with the English military. In 1951, she was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison. Nadia spent the next six years incarcerated at Mislea and Miercurea-Ciuc prisons in Romania.
Nadia Russo’s legacy as a pioneering female aviator during World War II remains an inspiration to this day. Her dedication and bravery in the face of adversity have made an indelible mark on women’s history.
Awards:
– Order Aeronautical Virtue of peace, Golden Cross class.