Bibikov, Vasily Nikolaevich

From OnAirpower.org

Name:	Bibikov, Vasily Nikolaevich
Years:	1910-1989
Rank:	Lt. Gen.
Nationality:	Soviet
Remarks:	Soviet military aviator, participant in the Spanish Civil War, and commander of an air army during World War II

[edit] Biography

Bibikov joined the Red Army in 1928, and attended the Leningrad Military Theory School for Pilots (to 1930) and the Borisoglebsk 2nd Military Pilots School (to 1931)^[1].

He served in the Spanish Civil War as a Soviet volunteer from September, 1936 to May, 1937^[1].

He commanded an aviation squadron starting in December, 1937, followed by a bomber aviation regiment from February, 1938. In August, 1939 he became commander of air forces for the 2nd Independent Red Banner Army in the Soviet Far East. In June, 1940 he became commander of air forces for the Far East Front^[1].

After the start of World War II, he became the commander of the 11th Air Army (formed from the air forces of the 2nd Red Banner Army) in July, 1942. In December, 1944 the 11th Air Army was reformed into the 18th Mixed Aviation Corps, which became part of the 10th Air Army of the Far East Front (later moved to the 2nd Far East Front). Bibikov remained commander of the 18th Mixed Aviation Corps, and under his command the unit participated in Operation August Storm.