Alexey Petrovich Maresyev

Alexey Petrovich Maresyev was a Soviet fighter pilot and a Hero of the Soviet Union. He was born in the city of Kamyshin. After finishing school and a factory apprenticeship school, he worked as a lathe operator, dreaming of becoming a pilot. In 1934 Maresyev took part in the construction of an aircraft factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and at the same time trained at an aeroclub. He underwent military training at flight schools and became an instructor. He was still at the school when the Great Patriotic War began.

In August 1941 Maresyev flew his first combat mission. In April 1942 his plane was shot down and he found himself behind enemy lines. After three weeks of a grueling journey, he was discovered and taken to a hospital with severe wounds, as a result of which both his legs were amputated. Despite his injuries, Maresyev regained his flying skills and returned to the front. Maresyev was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, and news of him spread across the country. After the war Maresyev held leadership positions in the Soviet Committee of War and Military Service Veterans. Alexey Petrovich Maresyev died on May 18, 2001.