Aleksandr Pishvanov

Praporshik Aleksandr Mikhailovich Pishvanov was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories. After an unsuccessful fight against the Communist takeover of Russia, he became an American citizen in 1928. His engineering skills were useful to both Sikorsky Aviation and to Seversky Aircraft Corporation from 1926 onwards. In 1942, he helped Walt Disney produce Victory Through Air Power to support the American war effort. Pishvanov's interest in aviation ended only with his death in New York City in 1964.

Biography

Before World War I Aleksandr Pishvanov was born in Novocherkassk, the Russian Empire on 21 October 1893, into a farm family of a dozen children. His family raised horses for the Russian cavalry, and wheat. Young Aleksandr disliked both horses and farming, so he gained a degree as an engineer. Pishvanov became interested in aviation while studying engineering. After graduation, he cadged a ride in an airplane in 1912.

World War I service Pishvanov enlisted just after hostilities broke out, and began World War I as a Nijnichin After downing enemy two-seaters in the vicinity of Galați on both 21 and 28 March 1917, he was promoted to Ensign and awarded the Order of Saint Anne, Fourth Class. On 15 April, he staked another victory claim, but it was unverified.

Honors and awards Order of Saint George Fourth Class Cross of Saint George (all four classes) Order of Saint Stanilas Third Class Order of Saint Vladimir Fourth Class with Swords and Ribbon Order of Saint Anne Fourth Class

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