Fifty-six combat sorties formed the basis of Antonina Zubkova’s nomination for the title Hero of the Soviet Union in March 1945. A mathematics student at Moscow State University before the German invasion, she transitioned from academic life to military aviation, eventually serving as a squadron navigator within the 125th Guards Dive Bomber Regiment.
Military Transition
Born in 1920 in the village of Semyon, Zubkova completed ten grades of school before enrolling at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at Moscow State University. In 1941, she joined an aviation group recruited by Marina Raskova. After graduating from the Engels Military Aviation School in February 1942, she served as chief of communications for the 587th Bomber Regiment, later redesignated as the 125th Guards Dive Bomber Regiment.
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Zubkova transitioned from communications to flight navigation during her service. Her combat operations included the destruction of three trains, three ammunition depots, twelve tanks, fifty vehicles, and five machine-gun points. Beyond navigation and bombing, she captured reconnaissance photographs utilized for mission assessment. In May 1943, following an injury to pilot Nadezhda Fedutenko, Zubkova successfully landed their Pe-2 aircraft after it was hit by shrapnel over Krasnodar.
Post-war Activity
After transferring to the reserve in September 1945, Zubkova resumed her education at Moscow State University, graduating in 1948. She subsequently attended the graduate school of the Research Institute of Mechanics and held a position at the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy. She married Yevgeny Nedugov and had a daughter, Yelena, born in 1947. She died in 1950 and is buried at the Vagankovo Cemetery in Moscow.
Fast facts
- Born: 1920, Semion
- Died: 1950, Moscow
- Military Rank: Captain
- Primary Education: MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics
- Award: Hero of the Soviet Union (18 August 1945)
- Total Sorties: 68
Questions readers ask
What aircraft did Antonina Zubkova operate?
She served as a squadron navigator in the 125th Guards Dive Bomber Regiment, which flew the Petlyakov Pe-2.
Which awards did she receive?
Her decorations included the Order of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner, the Order of the Red Star, and campaign medals including those for the Defence of the Caucasus and the Victory over Germany.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy
- Educated at MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics
- Worked as aircraft pilot
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