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Who shot down Capt. Nikolai A. Zelenov
Hello,
I am attempting to investigate who shot down Captain Nikolia Andriyanovich Zelenov on 29 June 1944 over Vyborg. Zelenov was a high scoring Soviet ace w/a total of 34 victories (10 shared) and a Hero of the Soviet Union along with 2 Orders of the Red Banner. During the 1944 summer offensive against Finland Zelenov was a member of 14.GIAP and was subsequently listed as killed in action on 29 June 1944. None of my Finnish sources state that a Finn made any claim against 14.GIAP on the date in question; therefore, I have concluded that Zelenov must've been a victim of a German pilot belonging to Gefechtsverband Kuhlmey. The main fighter element of the German unit were 4.Staffel and 5.Staffel of JG54. My research has revealed that a Lt. Albert Seevers of 4/JG54 claimed a Yak-9 on 29 June. Also, Lt. Gerhard Thyben claimed one Yak-9 and one Airacobra on 29 June. Was it one of these pilots that brought Zelenov down or someone else?
Any input would be most appreciated.
Mike
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