Pavel Terentyevich Korobkov

Pavel Terentyevich Korobkov (; 5 October 1909 – 12 April 1978) was a Soviet Air Force major general, flying ace and a Hero of the Soviet Union. Korobkov claimed six victories serving with the Spanish Republican Air Force during the Spanish Civil War and went on to at least two more victories during World War II. He retired from the Soviet Air Force in 1960 with the rank of major general.

Early life Pavel Korobkov was born on 5 October 1909 in the village of Lipnik in the Kursk Governorate On 26 October, Korobkov was transferred back to the Soviet Union and awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, as well as the Order of Lenin, on 22 February 1939 for his actions in the Spanish Civil War. He was promoted to major on 2 July, bypassing the rank of captain. On 18 August, he was awarded the Mongolian Order of the Red Banner for his actions during the Battle of Khalkin Gol, as well as the Order of the Red Banner, on 29 August. Korobkov reportedly made 109 sorties, conducted 13 air battles and shot down a Nakajima Ki-27. In September, he became commander of the 21st Fighter Aviation Regiment and took part in the Soviet invasion of Poland. The regiment then fought in the Battle of Kiev. He was promoted to Lieutenant colonel on 10 October. Korobkov was awarded his second Order of Lenin on 5 November. On 26 December, the 12th IAP became the 486th Fighter Aviation Regiment. The regiment fought in the Battle of the Kerch Peninsula. In April, Korobkov became the deputy commander of the 47th Army air force. Korobkov was evacuated from Kerch after its loss in May and became the commander of the 16th Aviation Group Impact. In June, he became the commander of the 265th Fighter Aviation Division. In November, he became a senior inspector for Soviet Air Force Inspection. In February 1943, Korobkov returned to command of the 265th Fighter Aviation Division (IAD) and fought in the Battle of the Caucasus. On 28 May he was promoted to colonel. Reportedly, he was actively engaged in social work.

Korobkov died on 12 April 1978 and is buried in the Tver Dmitrovo-Cherkassy Cemetery.

Awards and decorations