Pavel Agafonov

Pavel Yeliseyevich Agafonov (Russian: Павел Елисеевич Агафонов;1907-?) was a Soviet military pilot who flew during the Spanish Civil War. He was under the command of Pavel Rychagov. During the Spanish Civil War, he used the pseudonyms "Akhmed Amba" and "Pedro Jimenez". For his service in the Spanish Civil War he was awarded two Orders of the Red Banner. Agafonov claimed eight victories during the war.

Early life
Agafonov was born in 1907.

Spanish Civil War
He arrived in Spain on 20 October 1936, part of the first group of Polikarpov I-15 pilots. Agafonov served with the Escuadrilla Palancar, commanded by Pavel Rychagov. In November 1936, he was wounded in an air battle over Madrid. On 9 December, he shot down two Heinkels. On 2 January 1937, he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. Agafonov left Spain on 7 April 1937. During his tour in Spain, he had shot down eight enemy aircraft.

Later life
On 4 July 1937, Agafonov was awarded his second Order of the Red Banner. He participated in the trials of the I-15bis. Agafonov also participated in the Second Sino-Japanese War. In 1938, he was promoted to major and became commander of the 109th Fighter Squadron of the 36th Fighter Aviation Brigade in Kiev Military District. In 1945, Agafonov was a colonel and the commander of the 97th Mixed Aviation Division. He led the division in the Soviet invasion of Manchuria.