Born: April 27, 1909 (Kharkov, Russian Empire, present-day Ukraine)
Biography:
Valentina Stepanovna Grizodubova was one of the pioneering female pilots in the Soviet Union. She was born on April 27, 1909, in Kharkov, which was part of the Kharkov Governorate in the Russian Empire (present-day Ukraine). Her father, Stepan Vasilyevich Grizodubov, was a pioneer aircraft designer, and it was through his influence that Valentina developed a passion for aviation from a young age.
At the age of fourteen, Valentina flew a glider solo, showcasing her natural talent and fearlessness. She had a diverse range of interests and talents, studying piano and graduating from a conservatory, as well as earning a degree from the Kharkov Technical Institute. Valentina was also multilingual, proficient in several foreign languages.
In 1929, she graduated from the Penza Flying Club of the paramilitary association OSOAVIAKhIM, displaying her commitment to gaining the necessary skills and experience to become a pilot. She further honed her abilities at the Kharkov Flight School and later graduated from the Tula Advanced Flying School in 1933. It was at this institution that Valentina became a flight instructor, training 86 male pilots, many of whom would go on to become Heroes of the Soviet Union.
From 1934 to 1938, Valentina flew in a Propaganda Squadron named after Maxim Gorky, making significant contributions to aviation during this time. Throughout her career, she piloted various types of aircraft and set seven world records. These included a record for the highest altitude reached by a female pilot on a two-seater seaplane, reaching an impressive 3,267 meters (10,718.5 feet) on October 15, 1937. Valentina also achieved three speed records and one for long-distance flying between Moscow and Aktyubinsk, alongside her fellow aviator Marina Raskova.
However, it was Valentina’s historic flight with Raskova and Polina Osipenko that truly solidified her place in aviation history. From September 24 to 25, 1938, Valentina served as the pilot-in-command on an Antonov ANT-37 named Rodina (Russian for Motherland). Their 5,910-kilometer-long flight set an international women’s record for a straight-line distance flight. This remarkable achievement earned Valentina and her crew members the prestigious title of Hero of the Soviet Union on November 2, 1938. They also received a reward of 25,000 rubles for their impressive feat.
When World War II broke out, Valentina Grizodubova transitioned into a new role. Starting in March 1942, she served in the Red Army and was appointed as the first commanding officer of the 101st Long-Range Aviation Regiment. This regiment consisted of approximately 300 individuals, including pilots, navigators, engineers, and ground support personnel. Equipped with Lisunov Li-2 transport aircraft, Valentina’s unit played a crucial role in the war effort.
The 101st Long-Range Aviation Regiment had the initial task of bombing enemy troops and supplying partisans. In June 1942, they were also assigned to help provide crucial supplies to the besieged city of Leningrad. Valentina led her crew of six aviators, including a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight-technician, radio operator, and air gunner, with utmost skill and determination.
Valentina Grizodubova’s contribution to aviation and her role in the war effort attest to her exceptional skills and bravery. She paved the way for future female aviators in the Soviet Union and left an indelible mark on women’s history. Valentina’s journey as a pilot, instructor, and military leader serves as an inspiration to all individuals striving to overcome barriers and achieve greatness.
Awards:
– Hero of the Soviet Union
– Hero of Socialist Labour