"Aleksandr Pokryshkin", Yuriy Ustinov.

Illustrated biography of the second highest scoring Soviet and Allied fighter ace of WW2. Aleksandr Pokryshkin is one of the most recognizable names in Soviet Aviation, second only to Kozhedub. He risked his life and career to change the obsolete Soviet tactics that were Party dogma when the war started. After openly criticizing the official tactics that led to huge losses and teaching his fellow pilots new tactics which he himself invented, he was scheduled to be court martialed. His fate changed when Moscow averted the proceedings and instead promoted Pokryshkin. By the end of the war his writings were published and distributed to all Soviet pilots, and he toured fighter regiments to teach young pilots on his techniques.

Probably his most remarkable achievement was utilizing the outclassed US Airacobra, despised among most pilots, as an effective Bf109 killer. This extraordinary pilot ended the war with 59 confirmed aerial victories, and later became Air Force Marshal and commander of the Antiaircraft Defense for the entire Soviet Union.

Numerous photos of various quality document the life of this man, from childhood to retirement. Some interesting details of uniforms and equipment.


$33.00