Ivan Kleshev

Short Biography

Ivan Ivanovich Kleshev was one of the best Soviet pilots of the WWII. Before his tragic death in 1942 he got 16 confirmed victories in 50 fights. Ivan vas born on the 26th of January, 1918 in a miner`s family. He studied in a primary-school teachers` training college, then he joined the Red Army in 1937. He got his first experience of air war in Khasan and Khalkhin-Gol (Nomongan) conflicts of 1938-1939 stopping the Japaneese agression (the famous undeclared "small wars", victorious for the USSR). When the WWII began, Ivan was at the front line since the first day. For his bravery and skilled command in actions he was promoted to Major and decorated with a golden medal of Hero of the USSR, Lenin order and two orders of Red Banner - the highest military awards of the USSR. In early June of 1942 he commanded the elite 434th regiment having the patronage of Vasily Stalin, the son of Joseph Stalin. The title of "elite" meant at that time that the regiment was permanently in the action at the front line. In six month the regiment commander made more than 300 operation flights. Ivan was happy not only in fight but also in love. He won the heart of Soviet movie star Zoya Fyodorova (Fedorova). They were going to get married but Ivan`s tragic death ruined those dreams. Upon the official version he was shot down by the enemy anti-aircraft gun. An ace had the right to die only in a combat, like hero. Other reasons were not accepted by the war propaganda. In truth Ivan got killed in the aircrash on the 31th of December, 1942 flying to Moscow in bad weather conditions. The legend tells he hurried to celebrate New Year`s Eve with Zoya.