Soviet Forces

Highly decorated Soviet aviator.

Major Natalya Meklin (Mieklina), night bomber pilot. Comrade Major Meklin flew some 980 missions in her distinctly obsolete Po-2 biplane bomber between 1941 and 1945 - the Po-2 was the usual aeroplane assigned to the Soviets' three all-female night bomber squadrons. She survived the war, working afterwards as a translator and writer, and died in 2005. She is portrayed wearing the Star of the Order of Hero of the Soviet Union, the the Star of the Order of the Patriotic War (she was actually awarded this twice), the Order of Lenin, the Medal of the Order of the Red Banner (three times), and two medals that I cannot immediately identify. She may also have been awarded the Order of the Red Star; if so (and it would be a little odd, I think, as this medal is mainly associated with ground and naval forces), it does not appear in this 'photo. Best regards, JR.