Pavel Marakulin and Usik

[HGabor]

Sometime in february, 1945 Pavel Marakulin with his gunner, Usik -just like a Japanese Kamikaze- crashed in an approaching German Panther tank with their burning Il-2 Sturmovik near Szekesfehervar to save their belly landed commander's (German Petrovics Odnocenov's) life. The tank exploded with their plane, and Odnocenov with his gunner was saved, returned to the Soviet side. (He was later KIA on March 8, 1945)

For their sacrifice they awarded the Title of the HSU. Both Il-2 planes belonged to the 2nd squadron of the 951st ShAP, 17th VA.

What was the exact date of their death?

Thanks,

Gabor