Soviet and American officers interact at the 169th Special Purpose Air Base in Poltava, Ukraine, June 1944, during Lend-Lease operations.
This World War II photograph captures Soviet and American officers at the 169th Special Purpose Air Base (169th ABON), Poltava, Ukraine, in June 1944. From left to right facing the camera: Major General A.R. Perminov, commander of the 169th ABON; Captain Henry Ware, translator; and General Walsh of the USAAF.
In 1943, the US government formally requested Soviet permission to allow US heavy bombers to overfly Soviet territory to strike targets in eastern Germany and the Balkans without returning to bases in England or Italy. By early 1944, the USSR designated three airfields in Ukraine—Poltava, Mirgorod, and Piryatin—to support these operations. These airfields were protected by Soviet air defense units and maintained to the highest standards, ensuring smooth coordination between the two allies.
The photo illustrates the practical side of Soviet-American collaboration, showing officers working closely together on logistics, communications, and planning. Translators like Captain Ware were crucial in facilitating operational and technical exchanges, while senior officers oversaw the integration of US heavy bombers with Soviet air defense and ground support units.
Scenes like this highlight the strategic and personal cooperation that underpinned the Lend-Lease program. The Poltava airfield served as a vital hub for USAAF operations in Eastern Europe, demonstrating both the operational flexibility of the Allies and the professionalism of Soviet personnel in hosting and supporting foreign aircrews.
Technical photo data:
📍 Location: Poltava, Ukraine, USSR
📅 Date: June 1944
📝 Event: Soviet and American officers at 169th ABON, coordination for US heavy bomber missions
📷 Author: US Air Force Museum