Alexey Maresyev

By AlGlinka1603

  • Born

    Maresyev was born in Kamyshin to Russian parents.

  • Joining the army

  • Graduation from Bataysk Military School of Aviation

  • Shooting down four German aircraft

  • Biginning flights as a fighter pilot

  • His Polikarpov I-16 was shot down near Staraya Russa and captured by Nazi forces.

  • Returning to flights

    Despite being badly injured, Alexey managed to return to the Soviet-controlled territory on his own. During his 18-day long journey his injuries deteriorated so badly that both of his legs had to be amputated below the knee. Desperate to return to his fighter pilot career, he subjected himself to nearly a year of exercise to master the control of his prosthetic devices, and succeeded at that, returning to flying.

  • Graduation from the Higher Party School.

    Maresyev graduated from the Higher Party School.

  • Died

    He died of a heart attack on May 19, 2001, just an hour ahead of his official 85th birthday celebration.