Smushkevich, Yakov Vladimirovich
From OnAirpower.org
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[edit] Biography
Smushkevich was born on April 14, 1902[1] in Rokiškis, Lithuania to a Jewish family[2].
He served in the Russian Civil War from 1918-1920 on the Western Front as a Commisar in a rifle regiment[3].
In 1931 he graduated from the Kachinsk Military Aviation School and became the Commisar in an air brigade located in the city of Vitebsk[3].
Between 1936-37 he served under the pseudonym "General Douglas" in the Spanish Civil War, as the Senior Military Advisor for Aviation, and as Directory of Air Defenses for the city of Madrid. On June 29, 1937, Smushkevich was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his service in Spain[3].
On return from Spain, Smushkevich attended the Senior Commanders Development Course at the Frunze Military Academy and then became Assistant Chief of the Red Army Air Forces Directorate[3].
Beginning in May, 1939, Smushkevich commanded the Soviet air forces in the Battle of Khalkhin-Gol. On November 17, 1939, he received his second Hero of the Soviet Union award for his services in the battle[3].
Smushkevich became Chief of the Red Army Air Forces on November 19, 1939, just before the outbreak of the Soviet-Finnish War. He was promoted to Lt. Gen. of Aviation on June 4, 1940[4], followed in August of that year by a transfer to the post of Inspector General of the Red Army Air Forces. In December, 1940 he became Assistant Chief of the Red Army General Staff for Aviation[3].
On June 8, 1941--just weeks before the German invasion of the Soviet Union--Smushkevich was arrested during a series of purges that centered on air force senior commanders, particularly those who had participated in the Spanish Civil War. He was executed on October 28, 1941, while the Germans were still advancing towards Moscow[3].
[edit] Sources
- Smushkevich, Yakov Vladimirovich at National Heroes (Герои Страны)
- The Legendary Pilot Yakov Smushkevich , Military Herald of Israel, No. 13 (July 24, 2008)
