Early Life and Military Training
Leonid Aleksandrovich Bykovets was born on December 14, 1921, in Kolomna (now Moscow Oblast), into a worker’s family. He completed 7 grades of education and worked as a cinema mechanic apprentice at the Kolomna Locomotive Plant club. In 1939, he graduated from an aeroclub, marking the beginning of his aviation career.
He joined the Red Army in 1940, and a year later, he graduated from the prestigious Kachin Military Aviation School for Pilots. This intensive training prepared him for the challenges pilots would face during the war.
Wartime Service and Achievements
From December 1942, Bykovets was actively involved in combat operations. By March 1945, he had become Deputy Squadron Commander of the 28th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, a vital unit within the 3rd Belarusian Front, part of the 5th Guards Fighter Aviation Division.
As a Guards Senior Lieutenant, Bykovets completed 200 combat sorties. During these missions, he demonstrated exceptional skill by personally shooting down 16 enemy aircraft and contributing to the downing of 4 others in a group.
Awards and Post-War Career
On August 18, 1945, for his remarkable courage and military valor shown in battles, Leonid Aleksandrovich Bykovets was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. In total, he completed about 220 successful combat sorties, shooting down 19 aircraft personally and 4 in a group with comrades, although CAWO data suggests a breakdown of 20 personal kills and 3 group kills.
After the war, he continued to serve in the Air Force, solidifying his experience and leadership. In 1947, he graduated from the Higher Officer Navigator School, further expanding his skills within military aviation. Colonel L. A. Bykovets transitioned to the reserve in 1960. He subsequently lived in Kolomna and worked at one of the city’s factories.
Throughout his distinguished career, he was awarded several high honors, including the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner (four times), Alexander Nevsky, the Patriotic War 1st degree (twice), the Red Star (twice), and various medals. Leonid Aleksandrovich Bykovets passed away on July 7, 1997, leaving behind a legacy of heroism and service.