Khiuaz Kairovna Dospanova (1922–2008) – the only female pilot of the Great Patriotic War from Kazakhstan, navigator-gunner. National Hero of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Hiuaz Dospanova In the Red Army from October 1941. She graduated from the navigators at the Engel Aviation School.
Hiuaz Dospanova on the fronts of the Second World War since May 1942. The crew navigator, and later – the communications commander of the 46th Guards night bomber air regiment, during the war years made over 300 sorties for the bombardment of enemy personnel and combat equipment.
Hiuaz Dospanova was seriously injured. On April 1, 1943, during the approach to landing in blackout conditions in the village of Pashkovskaya, aircraft with the crews of Pashkova-Dospanova and Makagon-Svistunova collided. Khuaz Dospanov alone managed to survive the disaster. With fractures of both legs, the female pilot was sent to the hospital in Essentuki. Three months later, the female pilot returned to the regiment.
For bravery and bravery in World War II, she was awarded the Order of the Red Star, World War II, Degree II, the Red Banner, medals “For the Defense of the Caucasus”, “For the Liberation of Warsaw”, “For Victory over Germany” and other military awards. Twice the brave pilot was seriously wounded, but she returned to service again and met Victory near Berlin.
On December 7, 2004, by the Decree of the President of Kazakhstan, Khiuaz Dospanov was awarded the title “People’s Hero” with the award of a special distinction – the Golden Star and the Order “Otan”.