Russian Child Soldier “Son of the Regiment” with US Servicemen at Poltava Airfield, June 1944

October 2, 2025 - Reading time: 4 minutes

WWII photo of USAAF Sergeant S. Weinshenker and Tech Sergeant William Topps with a 10-year-old Russian “Son of the Regiment” in Red Army uniform at Poltava Airfield, June 1944.

This remarkable World War II photograph shows American servicemen Sergeant S. Weinshenker and Tech Sergeant William Topps posing with a young Russian boy in Red Army uniform at Poltava Airfield, Ukraine, in June 1944.

The boy, whose name remains unknown, was only 10 years old and served as a “Son of the Regiment” at the 169th Special Purpose Air Base (169th ABON). In Soviet tradition, such children were unofficially attached to military units, often after losing their families in the war. They performed small but important duties, such as assisting technicians or carrying supplies, and were cherished as mascots and symbols of resilience.

A Child in Uniform

Dressed in a Red Army uniform, this boy worked as an assistant armament technician at the air base. Despite his young age, he was awarded the Medal “For Courage”, a Soviet decoration given for acts of personal bravery in combat. His presence alongside American airmen reflects the daily interaction between USAAF personnel and their Soviet hosts during Lend-Lease cooperation at the Poltava air hub.

Symbol of War and Humanity

The photo illustrates the stark reality of the Eastern Front: even children became part of the war effort. At the same time, it highlights moments of shared humanity, with US and Soviet servicemen embracing the boy as one of their own.

The Poltava Connection

Poltava Airfield was a vital base in 1944 for Operation Frantic, a shuttle bombing program allowing US bombers to strike German targets and land on Soviet territory. The presence of the “Son of the Regiment” symbolizes the unique blend of military duty and personal resilience that defined life at the airfield.

Technical photo data:
📍 Location: Poltava, Ukraine, USSR
📅 Date: June 1944
📝 Event: Russian “Son of the Regiment” with USAAF servicemen at 169th Special Purpose Air Base
📷 Author: US Air Force Museum

WWII child soldier Soviet Union
Son of the Regiment Poltava airfield
USAAF and Soviet cooperation 1944 photo
Russian boy awarded Medal for Courage
Children in Red Army WWII history