Her operational leadership during the 1940s established her as a central figure in Soviet aviation, transitioning from record-breaking pilot to a high-ranking military officer and politician who received both Hero of the Soviet Union and Hero of Socialist Labour titles.
Aviation Career and Records
Born in 1909 in Kharkiv, Grizodubova developed her expertise early, flying gliders at age fourteen. After graduating from the Penza Flying Club in 1929 and the Tula Advanced Flying School in 1933, she served as a flight instructor, training 86 male pilots. Her career was defined by setting seven world records, including an altitude mark for female pilots in a seaplane in 1937. In 1938, she served as pilot-in-command for the Rodina flight, a 5,910-kilometer journey on a Tupolev ANT-37, which secured her the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Military Leadership
In March 1942, Grizodubova joined the Red Army. She was appointed commanding officer of the 101st Long-Range Aviation Regiment, managing approximately 300 personnel. Equipped with Lisunov Li-2 transport aircraft, her unit bombed enemy positions near Bryansk and supported the supply of besieged Leningrad. Her tactical initiatives included the construction of improved airstrips on the Dnieper to facilitate supply drops and the evacuation of 2,500 wounded partisans. By June 1944, she had completed 200 sorties.
Political and Post-War Service
Following the cessation of major hostilities, Grizodubova served on the Extraordinary State Commission for Ascertaining and Investigating Crimes Perpetrated by the German-Fascist Invaders and their Accomplices. Her later life was characterized by a career in politics, serving as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union. She also supported technical development in aerospace by assisting future cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya. Grizodubova remained in Moscow until her death in 1993, and she is interred at the Novodevichy Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1909, Kharkiv
- Died: 1993, Moscow
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Education: Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute
- Major Awards: Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of Socialist Labour
- Regiment Command: 101st Long-Range Aviation Regiment
Questions readers ask
Was she the only woman to hold both Hero titles?
Yes, Grizodubova was the only female Hero of the Soviet Union to also be awarded the title Hero of Socialist Labour.
What military unit did she lead?
She served as the first commanding officer of the 101st Long-Range Aviation Regiment, which specialized in transport and partisan supply missions.
Achievements
- Educated at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute
- Worked as aircraft pilot and politician
