Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub or Ivan Mykytovych Kozhedub was a Soviet World War II fighter ace. Universally credited with over 60 solo victories, he is considered to be the highest scoring Soviet and Allied fighter pilot of World War II. He is one of the few pilots to have shot down a Messerschmitt Me 262 jet, and the first Soviet pilot to have done so. He was made a Hero of the Soviet Union on three occasions . After World War II, he remained in the military and went on to command the 324th Fighter Aviation Division during Soviet operations in the Korean War. Wikipedia
“Aviation is said to be the cradle of cosmonautics, and with good reason.”
"Aviation History: Interview with World War II Soviet Ace Ivan Kozhedub" in History Net https://www.historynet.com/aviation-history-interview-with-world-war-ii-soviet-ace-ivan-kozhedub.htm
“The victory belonged to those who knew their planes and weapons inside out and had the initiative.”
Source: "Aviation History: Interview with World War II Soviet Ace Ivan Kozhedub" in History Net https://www.historynet.com/aviation-history-interview-with-world-war-ii-soviet-ace-ivan-kozhedub.htm
Source: As quoted in his memoirs in 1969, ""Без боя не уйду". Как летчик-ас Кожедуб сбивал вражеские самолеты" https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/8658487
