Vasily Afonin

Vasily Maksimovich Afonin (Russian: Васи́лий Макси́мович Афо́нин; 10 February 1919 – 4 January 1996) was a Soviet flying ace who fought in the German-Soviet War. He also participated in the Winter War of 1939–1940. During the German-Soviet War he fought with the 72nd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, flying at various times the LaGG-3, Yak-1, Yak-7, Yak-9 and Yak-3.

Vasily Maksimovich Afonin
Native name	Василий Максимович Афонин
Born	10 February 1919 Mostovaya village, Tula Governorate, RSFSR
Died	4 January 1996 (aged 76) Moscow, Russian Federation
Allegiance	Soviet Union
Service / branch	Soviet Air Force
Years of service	1938–1955
Rank	Major
Battles / wars	World War II Winter War Eastern Front
Awards	Hero of the Russian Federation

Retiring at the rank of major, Afonin was officially credited with 14 personal and 3 shared victories over the course of 487 sorties.^[1][2]

Awards and honors

• Hero of the Russian Federation (2 May 1996)
• Three Order of the Red Banner, three times (16 January 1943, 21 July 1943, 12 July 1944)
• Order of the Patriotic War (1st Class - 27 August 1943; 2nd Class - 15 January 1945 and 3 November 1985)
• Medal "For Battle Merit"
• campaign and jubilee medals

^[2]

See also

• List of Heroes of the Russian Federation

References

1. Bykov, Mikhail (2014). Все асы Сталина. 1936 - 1953 гг (in Russian). Moscow: Yauza. pp. 69–70. ISBN 978-5-9955-0712-3.
2. Simonov, Andrey. "Афонин Василий Максимович". www.warheroes.ru. Retrieved 21 August 2020.