Executed Soviet fighter pilots

[Csaba B. Stenge]

Gentlemen,



A question to our Soviet aviation experts.

The Hungarian combat reports, remebrances mentioned generally, that the Soviet fighters were brave, eager and warlike flyers. But in one case, something strange happened. On 7 October, 1943, over Soviet territory, the Hungarian Messers met with some La-5’s. Lt. Szeverényi, a future ace was behind a Soviet fighter in perfect firing position, when the Soviet pilot baled out before he started to firing, so Lt. Szeverényi claimed his first air victory without a single shot. I found few some stories in German remembrances also.


I found in one remembrence (Mikhaylik), that in his unit one pilot was executed, because he turned back, when the German planes appeared.

Well, what happened with these poor fellows if any ground or air witnesses confirmed, that they baled out before the enemy started to firing? Was it enough to execute them ’because of cowardice’?

Thanks in advance,