Shelukhin, Pyotr Semenovich

From OnAirpower.org

Name:	Shelukhin, Pyotr Semenovich (Шелухин, Пётр Семенович)
Years:	1894-?
Rank:	Lt. Gen.
Nationality:	Soviet

[edit] Biography

Shelukhin served in the Russian air forces during World War I as a motor mechanic in the 36th Corps Aviation Unit^[1]^[2]. He was active in revolutionary activities, and after the October Revolution he became chairman of the soldier's committee in his aviation unit. In April, 1919, he was sent to the Kiev Flight School, and then was transferred to a school in Moscow. After completing flight school, Shelukhin fought against the White Poles in the Ukraine. He was awarded an Order of the Red Banner in August, 1920 for his service^[3].

After the Russian Civil War, Shelukhin was commander of the 2nd Fighter Squadron. The squadron took part in the 6th anniversary of the October Revolution celebrations in Moscow, flying in formation to spell out the name "Lenin". Shelukhin went on to command the 15th Fighter Aviation Brigade^[3].

Shelukhin completed the Senior Command Staff Development Course at the Frunze Military Academy in 1928^[4].

Shelukin was promoted to the rank of Division Commander (Komdiv) on September 22, 1935^[5].

Shelukhin participated in the Soviet-Finnish War^[1].

Shelukhin was promoted to the rank of Maj. Gen. of Aviation on June 4, 1940^[6].

During World War II, Shelukhin commanded the air forces of the Southern Front in 1941-42, and then served as commander of air forces in the Siberian Military District for the remainder of the war^[1].