The career of Alexander Yefimov began at a glider school in 1938 and spanned over 3,000 flight hours across diverse aircraft, including the Il-2 and MiG-21. Rising from a wartime pilot to a marshal of the branch, he navigated the complex political and military landscape of the Soviet Union throughout the mid-to-late twentieth century.
Wartime Aviation and Decorations
Yefimov joined the military in 1941, graduating from the Voroshilovgrad Military Aviation School of Pilots the following year. During World War II, he flew 222 sorties, primarily in assault aviation. His tactical leadership during missions, such as the March 1945 strike on the Danzig airfield where 16 Il-2s destroyed 14 enemy aircraft, led to him twice receiving the Hero of the Soviet Union title in 1944 and 1945.
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Post-war, Yefimov pursued advanced military education, graduating from both the Monino Air Force Academy and the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia. He held numerous command positions, including leadership of the 6th Guards Bomber Aviation Division and the 57th Air Army. In 1984, he achieved the rank of marshal of the branch. His technical focus later prioritized the development of the Su-25 to address the specific demands of combat.
Political and Public Service
Yefimov balanced his military responsibilities with political roles, serving as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union. Following his retirement from active military duty in 1993, he remained active in public life, including participation in the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation. He authored works on military topics and held a Doktor Nauk in Warfare.
Fast facts
- Born: 1923, Kantemirovka
- Died: 2012, Moscow
- Military Rank: Marshal of the branch
- Education: Gagarin Air Force Academy
- Primary Aircraft: Il-2
- Burial Site: Novodevichy Cemetery
Questions readers ask
How many combat sorties did Yefimov fly during World War II?
He completed a total of 222 combat sorties between 1942 and 1945.
Which major awards did he receive during his military career?
He was twice named a Hero of the Soviet Union and received decorations including the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class, and the Order of the Red Star.
Achievements
- Educated at Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia and Gagarin Air Force Academy
- Worked as aircraft pilot, writer and politician
