Lev Shestakov

[researcher111]

Slightly off topic , one thing I never found out is the PZL-34 claimed near Odessa exactly on my birth day and month ( Aug 9,41) . Through my Roumanian records I could not find any PZL34 missing on that day as between 5.8. to 19.8.1941 there were no Romanian losses marked on their records at all .According 69 IAP group history , Major Shestakov was moved as early as July 41 through early Oct 41 to train sea coastal air defense forces near Odessa and may not even been airborne on Aug 9,41.

[knusel]

The whole Shestakov story seems to be full of cock and bull stories, doesn't it ?

Michael

[knusel]

The whole Shestakov issue seems to be full of cock and bull stories, doesn't it ?

Michael

[researcher111]

Unfortunately Genosse Knusel, I mst agree with you . Lev was deputy CO of 69 IAP with much political crop behind him . He is one of many Soviet pilots during WWII promoted by his political paths rather results . However, undoubtedly 69 IAP in similar to 67 IAP and 55 IAP was one of the most heroic fighter groups of the Soviets
in WWII

[knusel]

Oh. Very interesting.
Would you say that this is not the only case in which party membership increased a score ?

Michael

[researcher111]

No not exactly but all results were politically reviewed before major decorations
and awards were approved .

[knusel]

The other day I heard that Pokryshkin had difficulties getting his claims confirmed because the government didn't want to advertise the American product P-39.

[researcher111]

Yes possible however not aware about this specific story

[knusel]

Good evening researcher,

Shestakov's presumably faked result still render him the Soviet Spanish Civil War top ace rank at wikipedia.
Whom would you pronounce the real Soviet Spanish Civil War top ace ?
Lakeev ?

Michael

[knusel]

...Lakeev ?
...Osipenko?