Leonid Georgievich Belousov was born on March 3, 1909, in Odessa (Ukraine), into a working-class family. He received primary education and worked as a locksmith. In 1930, he joined the Red Army. In 1933, he graduated from the Odessa Military Infantry School, but soon felt drawn to the sky. In 1935, after completing the Borisoglebsk Military Aviation School for Pilots, he was assigned to an aviation unit.
Hero of the Soviet-Finnish War
During the Soviet-Finnish War of 1939-1940, Leonid Belousov flew dozens of combat sorties, carrying out command assignments. In January 1940, he was awarded the Order of the Red Banner, and soon after received a new appointment as commander of an aviation squadron in Hanko.
Soon, Major L. G. Belousov was appointed assistant commander of the air regiment defending the “Road of Life.” Leonid Georgievich continued to fly, repeatedly repelling enemy air raids, assaulting their front lines, conducting reconnaissance, and destroying motorized columns on roads. In December 1941, while on a mission, he was shot down and severely wounded.
As a result, gas gangrene developed first in one leg, then in the other, necessitating the amputation of both.
The Impossible Return to the Sky
Belousov spent 426 days in hospitals. His will, courage, and desire to avenge his enemies overcame all ailments. His efforts and many days of training yielded results: in 1944, Leonid Georgievich returned to the Baltic, and his aircraft once again took to the air. The brave pilot was appointed assistant commander for flight training of the 4th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (1st Guards Fighter Aviation Division, Air Force of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet).
Having achieved his return to duty, Leonid Belousov repeated the feat of Alexei Maresyev – for over a year, he, a legless invalid, conducted about 40 combat sorties, participated in the fiercest air battles, and personally shot down another enemy aircraft.
By February 1945, Guards Major L. G. Belousov had completed over 300 combat sorties, personally shooting down 4 enemy aircraft and several more in a group with comrades (some sources credit him with 7 air victories).
A Life of Service and Struggle
After the war, due to his health, Leonid Belousov was discharged to the reserve. He worked in river transport. Then, despite his wounds and illnesses, he became the head of an aeroclub – the sky, which he had dreamed of as a boy, did not let go for a long time. Later, he headed the 1st taxi fleet.
In 1957, for his courage and military valor displayed during the Great Patriotic War, L. G. Belousov was awarded the Order of Lenin and bestowed the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
For over 30 years, Leonid Georgievich gave lectures as one of the most active members of the “Znanie” society. During this time, he traveled across the entire country – from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka. Interestingly, these 30 years of selfless work were not included in his employment record, as a Group 1 invalid could not be formally employed.
In his later years, L. G. Belousov lived in the Petrogradsky district of Leningrad. He was awarded the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner (twice), the Patriotic War 1st Class (twice), and various medals. In Odessa, a memorial plaque was installed on the building of the January Uprising Plant.