Soviet Ace Pilot Mikhail Baranov — Hero of the Soviet Union, 31 Air Victories

July 28, 2025 - Reading time: 7 minutes

Mikhail Baranov, a Soviet ace pilot, with 31 aerial kills, awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union in 1942, died in action in January 1943.

Mikhail Dmitrievich Baranov (October 21, 1921 — January 17, 1943) was one of the most accomplished Soviet aces during World War II. A Hero of the Soviet Union, Baranov became known for his courage and skill in the air, with 31 confirmed aerial kills and numerous successful missions. He was also the most successful Soviet fighter pilot at the time of his untimely death, a loss that tragically cut short a promising career in the Soviet Air Force.

Baranov joined the Red Army Air Force in June 1941 and fought in the early stages of the war, when the Soviet Union was facing its most dire moment. By October 1941, he had personally downed five German aircraft, and his reputation as an ace pilot grew rapidly. Baranov’s relentless bravery during the conflict earned him recognition with two Orders of the Red Banner and, in August 1942, the prestigious Hero of the Soviet Union award.

Baranov's most heroic actions occurred in the fall of 1942 when, despite being wounded, he continued to fight. On August 6, 1942, during a critical battle near Kotelnikovo, Baranov downed two Messerschmitt Bf.109s and a Junkers Ju-87. However, after exhausting his ammunition, he engaged in a head-on collision with a Me-109, ultimately forcing him to eject. Despite severe injuries from the landing, Baranov insisted on returning to duty and was soon promoted to deputy squadron commander.

Sadly, on January 17, 1943, during a routine mission, Baranov's plane crashed due to a mechanical failure during an aerobatic maneuver, leading to his death. His legacy endures as one of the Soviet Union's most celebrated pilots, with his courage and skill immortalized as an example of Soviet heroism during WWII.

Technical photo data:
📝 Source of information: Unknown
📍 Location: USSR
📅 Date of photo: 1942
📷 Photographer: Unknown

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