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Bershanskaya, Yevdokia

Date of birth:
February 6th, 1913 (Stavropol/Stavropol province, Russian Empire)
Date of death:
September 16th, 1982 (Moscow, Soviet Union)
Buried on:
Novodevitsji Cemetery
Nationality:
Soviet

Biography

Lieutenant Colonel Yevdokia Bershanskya was a fighter pilot in the Red Army. She was the only woman to be awarded the Order of Suvorov.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Kapitan (Captain)
Unit:
588-y nochnoy legkobombardirovochnyy aviatsionnyy polk
Awarded on:
September 9th, 1942
"... From the moment the regiment began combat operations, it made 711 night sorties with total of 1026 flight hours of destruction of weaponry and manpower, installations and fortifications, warehouses with ammunition and fuel depots and trains, ferries on the river Don in areas Mariengeym, Kalinovo, Pokrovsky, Aleksandrovka, New Bahmutskiy; installations and fortifications at height 115; ferries on the river Don near Konstantinovsky, Razdorskaya and Bagaevka.

As a result of bombing attacks, 59 fenemy buildings and structures caught fire, 16 strong explosions (Observation crews detonated ammunition), 4 spotlights, 3 zenith point, two crossing over the Don River.

E.D. Bershanskaya is characterized by a strong-willed, enterprising commander of the Red Army who was able to mobilize the personnel of the regiment to perform combat missions.

In a short time she put together a strong team, which was able to perform combat missions at any moment."

Note:
"... she pays much attention to training of pilots and officers of flying at night. Enjoys authority among the personnel of the regiment.
Personally, comrade Bershanskaya made one sortie to destroy the enemy's manpower."

Order of the Transcaucasian Front number 05-N
Orden Krasnogo Znameni
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Gvardii mayor
Unit:
588-y nochnoy legkobombardirovochnyy aviatsionnyy polk
Awarded on:
May 28th, 1943
Orden Otechestvennoi voiny 2
"... For heroism, courage and exemplary performance of command assignments in the defeat of the German invaders for causing heavy losses in equipment and manpower - 116 men of the regiment were awarded orders and medals of the USSR. Of these, 14 people - twice.

Personally, comrade Bershanskaya made two sorties to destroy the enemy's manpower.

For her leadership in combat operation of the regiment and for the successful performance of command assignments, Guard Major ED Bershanskaya was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War 2nd degree."

Order no. 048-N
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
gvardii polkovnik
Unit:
325-y nochnaya bombardirovochnaya diviziya Krasnogo Znameni
Awarded on:
December 15th, 1944
Orden Suvorova 3
"Bershanskaya commanded the regiment since its formation (from 12/02/1941). The regiment was formed of girl volunteers who have not served in the Red Army in combat. Comrade Bershanskaya managed to rally the friendly staff, who led a successful military operation, despite the difficult conditions of combat operations.

The regiment under her leadership was victorious from Vorshilovgrada through Grozny, Krasnodar, Taman, Kerch, Sevastopol, Mogilev, Grodno, Bialystok, Ostroleka, contributing in supporting ground combat units to destroy enemy troops and equipment.

By October 1, 1944, the regiment made 18,436 combat sorties with a total of 25,775 flight hours, causing heavy damage to the enemy. The regiment was awarded the title of "Guards" and awarded the Order of the Red Banner. In the ongoing battle, the regiment holds a leading position in the battle. Guard Major Bershanskaya repeatedly obeyed the orders of the great Stalin.

Personally, comrade Bershanskaya showed the courage and bravery to defeat fascism. She has a highly developed sense of responsibility for her work. She properly coordinated combat operation with political staff, sensitive to the needs and issues of personnel. At the same time she fueled the personnel hatred of enemies and the love for the motherland. The proof of all of is, is the the family of order bearers, who with every combat operation, grows.

For exemplary performance of command assignments in the regiment one person won posthumously the highest government award the title of "Hero of the Soviet Union", with orders and medals - 168 people. Among them: Four-bedded orders - 7 people, three - 22 people, two - 59 people. In addition, four people presented to the title "Hero of the Soviet Union."

Along with the leaders of major combat operation Bershanskaya personally made 21 sorties to destroy the enemy's manpower and equipment. For her excellent leadership of the regiment, in consequence with the 4577 sorties (after her last awards), causing heavy damage to the enemy, at the same time supporing ground forces in the successful defeat of the manpower and equipment of the enemy with minimal losses (1 coach and 1 plane ) Guards Major Bershanskaya deserves the "Order of Lenin".

2nd Belorussian Front No. 0548 - Order of Lenin replaced with Sukorov 3
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
gvardii polkovnik
Unit:
325-y nochnaya bombardirovochnaya diviziya Krasnogo Znameni
Awarded on:
June 15th, 1945
Orden Krasnogo Znameni
"The regiment attacks resulted in high power explosions in the enemy camp - 1092, caused by the fires - 811, suppressed the fire artillery batteries - 86 destroyed and damaged 17 crossings, destroyed and damaged 9 trains, destroyed 46 warehouses with ammunition and fuel.

For exemplary performance of command assignments: in the regiment was awarded by May 5, 1945 160 people. Including: double - 55 people, three awards - 32 people, four orders and more - over 14 people. 14 people were awarded the title of "Hero of the Soviet Union." During the period, the regiment prepared 42 pilots and 45 navigators.

Guard Colonel ED Bershanskaya personally made 28 sorties to destroy enemy troops and equipment. During he leadership in combat operation of the regiment during World War II, the regiment made 23,672 sorties with a total of 28,676 flight hours, while inflicted heavy losses on the enemy with minimal losses.

Second award
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 26th, 1944
Orden Aleksandra Nevskogo
Medal

Sources