Slobozhan, David Yakovlevich
From OnAirpower.org
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[edit] Biography
Slobozhan entered the Red Army in 1927 and completed the Leningray Military Theory School for Pilots in 1928, and the 2nd Borisoglebsk Military School for Pilots in 1929. After completing flight school, he served as a pilot and rose the the ranks commanding a unit, squadron, brigade, and eventually a regiment. In November, 1940, he became commander of the 53rd Bomber Division stationed at Komsomolsk-na-Amur in the Soviet Far East[1].
At the start of Operation Barbarossa, Slobozhan was still serving as commander of the 53rd Bomber Division. In September, 1942, he became Deputy Commander of the 10th Air Army, part of the Far Eastern Front. He served briefly fighting against the Germans as part of the 8th Air Army in January-February, 1942 and February, 1943. On September 16, 1944, he became commander of the 10th Air Army and held that position until May, 1945, when he was switched back to the position of Deputy Commander. He reamined in that position and in August, 1945, participated in Operation August Storm.
