Vyacheslav Tkachov

Vyacheslav Matveyevich Tkachov was a Russian pilot, general and writer.

In 1913 Tkachov became a pilot of Imperial Russian Air Service.

In 1914, Lt. Vyacheslav Tkachov became the very first Russian pilot who shot down enemy aircraft with handgun. He attacked a German Albatros and shot the enemy pilot.

Later, Tkachov took part in the Russian Civil War.

Honours and awards Order of Saint Stanislaus (May 1910) Order of St. Anna of the Third Class (February 1913) Order of St. Vladimir of the Fourth Class (February 1915) Order of St. George of the Fourth Degree (July 1916) Gold Sword for Bravery (September 1916) Distinguished Service Order (United Kingdom)