Soviet Ace Pilot Mikhail Baranov in Stalingrad — WWII, 1942
July 29, 2025 - Reading time: 7 minutes
Mikhail Baranov, Soviet ace pilot, in Stalingrad, 1942, one of the most skilled pilots of WWII, with 31 aerial kills.
This iconic photograph from 1942 shows Mikhail Baranov, one of the most distinguished Soviet ace pilots of World War II, in Stalingrad during the height of the Battle of Stalingrad. Baranov, a Hero of the Soviet Union, had already achieved remarkable success in combat by this time, with 31 confirmed aerial kills to his name. Known for his exceptional skill and determination, Baranov became one of the most effective pilots in the Red Army Air Force during the early days of the war.
By 1942, Baranov had flown 176 combat sorties, shooting down 20 enemy aircraft and destroying 6 others during attacks on airfields. His heroics earned him multiple awards, including the Order of Lenin and the prestigious Golden Star of the Hero of the Soviet Union. Baranov’s impact on the Soviet air campaign was immense, and he was regarded as one of the leading figures in the Red Army's aviation forces.
Tragically, Mikhail Baranov was killed in action on January 17, 1943, at the age of just 21. His death came after a courageous career filled with numerous aerial battles. Had he survived the war, Baranov would have undoubtedly joined the ranks of other legendary Soviet pilots such as Pokryshkin and Kozhedub.
This photograph, taken by Georgiy Zelma, immortalizes Baranov during the critical year of the Stalingrad battle, symbolizing both the sacrifice and triumph of the Soviet pilots who played a crucial role in the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Technical photo data:
📝 Source of information: Unknown
📍 Location: Stalingrad, USSR
📅 Date of photo: 1942
📷 Photographer: Georgiy Zelma
-
Soviet ace pilots WWII
-
Mikhail Baranov Stalingrad
-
Red Army aviation
-
Hero of the Soviet Union
-
Aerial victories WWII
-
Pokryshkin Kozhedub
-
Soviet air force pilots
-
Stalingrad 1942
-
Mikhail Baranov legacy
-
WWII Soviet aviation heroes
