Ivan Orlov

Podporuchik Ivan Aleksandrovich Orlov (19 January 1895 – 4 July 1917) was a Russian flying ace during World War I. He was a prewar flier, having built both gliders and powered airplanes, and having earned pilot's license no. 229 just prior to start of the war. He volunteered his experience and his personal airplane to his country's military service. His experience and his valor made him both a mentor and leader of less experienced pilots, as Orlov rose to command the 7th Aviatsionniy Ostryad Istrebitelei (7th Fighter Aviation Detachment) of the Imperial Russian Air Service. After an exchange duty assignment to the Escadrille 3, Aéronautique Militaire, he wrote the first Russian text on aerial combat, Ways to Conduct an Air Combat. He was killed in action after scoring five confirmed aerial victories.

Early life

Ivan Aleksandrovich Orlov was born into Russian nobility in Saint Petersburg on 19 January 1895. He attended the Imperial Alexandovsky Middle School. He developed an early interest in aviation after attending an air show. His generous allowance allowed him to indulge his obsession for flying. At first, he built gliders. Later, in 1913, he built a monoplane powered by a 35-horsepower Anzani engine, which he dubbed the "Orlov No. 1". He joined the All-Russian Aero Club and earned pilot's license No. 229 on 13 June 1914. At the time, he was studying law at Petrograd University.

Spad VII Enemy aircraft Forced down Fresnoy, France Scored while flying with French

Nieuport 11 serial no. N1679 Albatros two-seater Forced landing Hill 829, south of Yasen Victim from German Flieger-Abteilung (Artillerie) 242; air crew captured

Honors and awards Cross of St. George, Fourth Class: Awarded prior to 3 October 1914 Cross of St. George, Third Class: Awarded prior to 3 October 1914 Cross of St. George, Second Class: Awarded prior to 3 October 1914 Order of Saint Anne, Fourth Class: Awarded 4 April 1915 Order of Saint Anne, Third Class Order of Saint George Fourth Class: Awarded 28 August 1915 Order of Saint Stanislas Third Class with Crossed Swords and Bow: Awarded 30 August 1915 Order of Saint Vladimir Fourth Class with Crossed Swords and Bow: 2 November 1915 Gold Sword for Bravery French Croix de Guerre with palm