Katya Budanova
Encyclopedia
Yekaterina Vasylievna Budanova (Cyrillic: Екатерина Васильевна Буданова), also known as Katya Budanova (Катя Буданова), (6 December 1916 – 19 July 1943), was a fighter pilot
in the Soviet Air Force
during World War II
. With 11 air victories, Along with Lydia Litvyak
she was one of the world's two female fighter ace
s.
. After leaving elementary school with the highest grades, she had to abandon her studies due to her father's death, and began working as a nanny.
At the age of thirteen her mother sent her to join her sister in Moscow, where she began working as a carpenter in an aircraft factory.
It was there that she began an interest in aviation, and she joined an aeroclub's
parachutist section, obtaining her flying licence in 1934 and graduating to flight instructor in 1937.
She took part in several air parades, flying the single-seater Yakovlev UT-1.
in June 1941, she enlisted in military aviation and was assigned to the 586th Fighter Regiment (586 IAP), formed by Marina Raskova
. This unit consisted entirely of female pilots and was equipped with Yak-1. Initially all women pilots were placed into three all-women units; the 586th IAP, the 587th BAP and the 588th NBAP. The 500 designations were originally meant to signify defense reserves. These units were originally made up women who were flight instructors or members of pre-war flying clubs. As the Battle of Stalingrad raged the supply of replacement male pilots was drying up and thus the 586th (under Major Tamara Kazarinova) saw combat action in the spring 1942.
In May 1942 the 586th IAP redeployed to Anisovka where it was assigned to the 144th IAD (Air Defence) covering the railway installations near Saratov
, and it was here Budanova flew her first combat missions. Seeing the skill of these women, the Soviet High Command began dispersing selected female pilots to existing male units. On 10 September she was assigned with Lydia Litvyak, Maria M. Kuznetsova and Raisa Beliaeva to the 437th IAP, based in Verkhnania Akhtuba on the east bank of the Volga river. engaged in the fighting over Stalingrad. The 437th was a LaGG-3 regiment, under Major Khvostikov, who was initially skeptical of the ability of women pilots. But in a short time Budanova became known for her aggressive attacking and high piloting skill.
According to some historians, she shot down her first opponent — a Messerschmitt Bf 109
fighter — on 14 September 1942, combining forces with Lydia Litvyak. According to regiment archivist Ekaterina K. Polunina on 2 October 1942 Budanova achieved her two first solo air victories, shooting down a Junkers Ju 88
and a Bf 109. However, Budanova's aircraft mechanic, Inna Pasportnikova wrote that she shot down her first aircraft on 6 October when she attacked 13 Ju 88 bombers, downing one.
From October until January 1943 Budanova (and Litvyak) served in the Stalingrad area with the elite 9th Guards Fighter Regiment, commanded by Lev Shestakov
, Hero of Soviet Union. This regiment consisted either of aces or potential aces.
One of them was Vladimir Dmetrievich Lavrinenkov, who ended the war with 46 victories (11 shared). He later recalled
that Budanova "was tall, kept her hair cut short,.. and in her flightsuit hardly stood out from the fellows." He characterized Budanova as a "cheerful, lively character" while Litvyak looked "thoughtful and quiet". Both he said were excellent pilots. Initially the two females had they had flown together but then more often flew separately as wingmen to other pilots.
While in the Stalingrad area, an order was received citing the return of the women aircrew to the 586th. Pasportnikova later recalled "Budanova and Litvyak appealed to Lt.Col Shestakov, the commander of the 9th Fighter Regiment, with a request to let them remain in the regiment." They were allowed to stay, remaining with 9th IAP for over three months.
On 10 December Budanova shot down two Messerschmitt Bf 110
s. In the following months she was credited with several more aircraft.
In January 1943 the 9th was re-equipped with the US-built P-39 "Airacobra" and Budanova and Litvyak moved to the 296th Fighter Aviation Regiment (later the 73rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment) of Nikolai Baranov, and continued to fly the Yak.
It was with 73 IAP that Budanova and Litvyak achieved the bulk of their combat claims.Budanova was selected to fly with Baranov, while squadron commander Alexei Solomatin took Litvyak as wingman.
Budanova was soon given permission for "solo hunting", an honor given to aggressive and successful pilots.
On 10 February 1943, near Rostov on Don, she shot down a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 along with Starshij Lejtenant Nikolaj Demkin and the wingman, Lejtenant Boris Gorkhiver.
On 23 February she was awarded with an Order of the Red Star
. On 9 March 1943 between 17.30 and 18.30 she claimed a Bf 109 along with Lejtenant Oleg Filipchenko.
On 20 April 1943 Ogonek, a political-literary weekly publication intended for young adults, featured a cover photo of Budanova and Litvyak. An article detailed their accomplishments, honouring - in true Soviet style - their collective, rather than individual, achievements. The magazine gave a combined number of combat missions and kills to date for the two pilots.
On 30 May under command of Soshnikov, Budanova shared in the destruction of another Bf 109.
By June 1943 Budanova had six victories to her credit, and operating near Rostov on Don during the liberation of Donbas, heavy air combat saw her claims raised to 11.
she was involved in a dogfight with Bf 109s. Inna Pasportnikova later recalled:
Budanova managed to put out the fire and to force landed in no-man's land. By the time local farmers came to pull her from the aircraft, she was already dead. They buried her on the outskirts of the village of Novokrasnovka.
Pasportnikova has stated that Budanova had five personal kills at the time of her death.
She was twice awarded Order of the Patriotic War
. Although she was proposed for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union
during the war she did not receive it officially. In 1 October 1993 she was posthumously awarded with the title Hero of the Russian Federation
.
Fighter pilot
A fighter pilot is a military aviator trained in air-to-air combat while piloting a fighter aircraft . Fighter pilots undergo specialized training in aerial warfare and dogfighting...
in the Soviet Air Force
Soviet Air Force
The Soviet Air Force, officially known in Russian as Военно-воздушные силы or Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily and often abbreviated VVS was the official designation of one of the air forces of the Soviet Union. The other was the Soviet Air Defence Forces...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. With 11 air victories, Along with Lydia Litvyak
Lydia Litvyak
Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak (Лидия Владимировна Литвяк, (Moscow, August 18, 1921 – Krasnyi Luch August 1, 1943), also known as Lydia Litviak or Lilya Litviak, was a fighter pilot in the Soviet Air Force during World War II...
she was one of the world's two female fighter ace
Fighter Ace
Fighter Ace was a massively multiplayer online computer game in which one flies World War II fighter and bomber planes in combat against other players and virtual pilots...
s.
Early life
Budanova was born into a peasant family in Konoplanka village in Smolensk OblastSmolensk Oblast
Smolensk Oblast is a federal subject of Russia . Its area is . Population: -Geography:The administrative center of Smolensk Oblast is the city of Smolensk. Other ancient towns include Vyazma and Dorogobuzh....
. After leaving elementary school with the highest grades, she had to abandon her studies due to her father's death, and began working as a nanny.
At the age of thirteen her mother sent her to join her sister in Moscow, where she began working as a carpenter in an aircraft factory.
It was there that she began an interest in aviation, and she joined an aeroclub's
Flying club
A flying club or aero club is a not for profit, member run organization that provides its members with affordable access to aircraft.Many clubs also provide flight training, flight planning facilities, pilot supplies and associated services, as well as organizing social functions, fly-ins and...
parachutist section, obtaining her flying licence in 1934 and graduating to flight instructor in 1937.
She took part in several air parades, flying the single-seater Yakovlev UT-1.
Great Patriotic War
After the German attack on the USSRSoviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
in June 1941, she enlisted in military aviation and was assigned to the 586th Fighter Regiment (586 IAP), formed by Marina Raskova
Marina Raskova
Marina Mikhailovna Raskova was a famous Russian navigator. She later became one of over 800,000 women in the military service, founding three female air regiments which would eventually fly over 30,000 sorties in World War II.- Early life :...
. This unit consisted entirely of female pilots and was equipped with Yak-1. Initially all women pilots were placed into three all-women units; the 586th IAP, the 587th BAP and the 588th NBAP. The 500 designations were originally meant to signify defense reserves. These units were originally made up women who were flight instructors or members of pre-war flying clubs. As the Battle of Stalingrad raged the supply of replacement male pilots was drying up and thus the 586th (under Major Tamara Kazarinova) saw combat action in the spring 1942.
In May 1942 the 586th IAP redeployed to Anisovka where it was assigned to the 144th IAD (Air Defence) covering the railway installations near Saratov
Saratov
-Modern Saratov:The Saratov region is highly industrialized, due in part to the rich in natural and industrial resources of the area. The region is also one of the more important and largest cultural and scientific centres in Russia...
, and it was here Budanova flew her first combat missions. Seeing the skill of these women, the Soviet High Command began dispersing selected female pilots to existing male units. On 10 September she was assigned with Lydia Litvyak, Maria M. Kuznetsova and Raisa Beliaeva to the 437th IAP, based in Verkhnania Akhtuba on the east bank of the Volga river. engaged in the fighting over Stalingrad. The 437th was a LaGG-3 regiment, under Major Khvostikov, who was initially skeptical of the ability of women pilots. But in a short time Budanova became known for her aggressive attacking and high piloting skill.
Messerschmitt Bf 109
The Messerschmitt Bf 109, often called Me 109, was a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser during the early to mid 1930s...
fighter — on 14 September 1942, combining forces with Lydia Litvyak. According to regiment archivist Ekaterina K. Polunina on 2 October 1942 Budanova achieved her two first solo air victories, shooting down a Junkers Ju 88
Junkers Ju 88
The Junkers Ju 88 was a World War II German Luftwaffe twin-engine, multi-role aircraft. Designed by Hugo Junkers' company through the services of two American aviation engineers in the mid-1930s, it suffered from a number of technical problems during the later stages of its development and early...
and a Bf 109. However, Budanova's aircraft mechanic, Inna Pasportnikova wrote that she shot down her first aircraft on 6 October when she attacked 13 Ju 88 bombers, downing one.
From October until January 1943 Budanova (and Litvyak) served in the Stalingrad area with the elite 9th Guards Fighter Regiment, commanded by Lev Shestakov
Lev Shestakov
Lev Lvovich Shestakov was a Soviet military aviator and the Red Air Force's leading ace in the Spanish Civil War.-Career:Upon graduating from military college in 1936 he applied for combat in Spain, joining a Spanish Republican Air Force fighter squadron in 1937...
, Hero of Soviet Union. This regiment consisted either of aces or potential aces.
One of them was Vladimir Dmetrievich Lavrinenkov, who ended the war with 46 victories (11 shared). He later recalled
that Budanova "was tall, kept her hair cut short,.. and in her flightsuit hardly stood out from the fellows." He characterized Budanova as a "cheerful, lively character" while Litvyak looked "thoughtful and quiet". Both he said were excellent pilots. Initially the two females had they had flown together but then more often flew separately as wingmen to other pilots.
While in the Stalingrad area, an order was received citing the return of the women aircrew to the 586th. Pasportnikova later recalled "Budanova and Litvyak appealed to Lt.Col Shestakov, the commander of the 9th Fighter Regiment, with a request to let them remain in the regiment." They were allowed to stay, remaining with 9th IAP for over three months.
On 10 December Budanova shot down two Messerschmitt Bf 110
Messerschmitt Bf 110
The Messerschmitt Bf 110, often called Me 110, was a twin-engine heavy fighter in the service of the Luftwaffe during World War II. Hermann Göring was a proponent of the Bf 110, and nicknamed it his Eisenseiten...
s. In the following months she was credited with several more aircraft.
It was with 73 IAP that Budanova and Litvyak achieved the bulk of their combat claims.Budanova was selected to fly with Baranov, while squadron commander Alexei Solomatin took Litvyak as wingman.
Budanova was soon given permission for "solo hunting", an honor given to aggressive and successful pilots.
On 10 February 1943, near Rostov on Don, she shot down a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 along with Starshij Lejtenant Nikolaj Demkin and the wingman, Lejtenant Boris Gorkhiver.
On 23 February she was awarded with an Order of the Red Star
Order of the Red Star
Established on 6 April 1930, the Order of the Red Star was an order of the Soviet Union, given to Red Army and Soviet Navy personnel for "exceptional service in the cause of the defense of the Soviet Union in both war and peace". It was established by Resolution of the Presidium of the CEC of the...
. On 9 March 1943 between 17.30 and 18.30 she claimed a Bf 109 along with Lejtenant Oleg Filipchenko.
On 20 April 1943 Ogonek, a political-literary weekly publication intended for young adults, featured a cover photo of Budanova and Litvyak. An article detailed their accomplishments, honouring - in true Soviet style - their collective, rather than individual, achievements. The magazine gave a combined number of combat missions and kills to date for the two pilots.
On 30 May under command of Soshnikov, Budanova shared in the destruction of another Bf 109.
By June 1943 Budanova had six victories to her credit, and operating near Rostov on Don during the liberation of Donbas, heavy air combat saw her claims raised to 11.
Last mission
On 19 July 1943 she flew her last mission, near Novokrasnovka. That morning she took off for an escort mission and near Antracit in Luhansk OblastLuhansk Oblast
Luhansk Oblast ) is the easternmost oblast of Ukraine. Its administrative center is Luhansk. The oblast was established in 1938 and bore the name Voroshilovgrad Oblast in honor of Kliment Voroshilov....
she was involved in a dogfight with Bf 109s. Inna Pasportnikova later recalled:
"She spotted three Messerschmitt going on the attack against a group of bombers. Katia attacked and diverted the enemy. A desperate fight developed in the air. Katia managed to pick up an enemy aircraft in her sight and riddle him with bullets. This was the fifth aircraft she killed personally. Katia's fighter rapidly soared upward and swooped down on a second enemy aircraft. She "stitched" it with bullets, and the second Messer, streaming black smoke, escaped to the west. But Katia's red starred fighter had been hit; tongues of flame were already licking at the wings."
Budanova managed to put out the fire and to force landed in no-man's land. By the time local farmers came to pull her from the aircraft, she was already dead. They buried her on the outskirts of the village of Novokrasnovka.
Controversies about number of victories
There have been several different versions of Budanova's aerial victory score published, with no official tally. The most common quoted is for 11 kills (6 individual and 5 shared). According to some historians she achieved 11 individual air victories.Pasportnikova has stated that Budanova had five personal kills at the time of her death.
She was twice awarded Order of the Patriotic War
Order of the Patriotic War
The Order of the Patriotic War is a Soviet military decoration that was awarded to all soldiers in the Soviet armed forces, security troops, and to partisans for heroic deeds during the German-Soviet War, known by the former-Soviet Union as the Great Patriotic War.- History :The Order was...
. Although she was proposed for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union
Hero of the Soviet Union
The title Hero of the Soviet Union was the highest distinction in the Soviet Union, awarded personally or collectively for heroic feats in service to the Soviet state and society.-Overview:...
during the war she did not receive it officially. In 1 October 1993 she was posthumously awarded with the title Hero of the Russian Federation
Hero of the Russian Federation
Hero of the Russian Federation is a Russian decoration and the highest honorary title that can be bestowed on a citizen by the Russian Federation. The President of the Russian Federation is the main conferring authority of the medal, which is bestowed on those committing actions or deeds that...
.