Sergei Safronov (Hero of the Soviet Union)

Sergey Ivanovich Safronov (Серге́й Ива́нович Сафро́нов 25 August 1919-29 September 1983) was a Russian aviator who was given the title "Hero of the Soviet Union".

He was born in Pilekshevo, Nizhny Novgorod on 25 August 1919. In 1938 Safronov joined the army. In 1939 he graduated from the Engels Military Air School.

During World War II he participated in air combats in Kuban, shot down aircraft in the Kursk Salient, and participated in the battle in Stalingrad. By the end of World War II he had been promoted to Major. After the war ended, he worked in the Saratov aeroclub as a flying instructor. Yuri Gagarin was one of his students. He later became the flight commander of Gagarin.

On 29 September 1983 Safronov died.