In the thirties of the last century, a brilliant galaxy of hero-aviators was formed in the Soviet Union. Among them, the name of the polar pilot Vasily Sergeevich Molokov, whose fate is closely connected with the history of his native country, occupies a worthy place.
Starting conditions
Scientific and technological progress allowed the Russian State in a short period of time by historical standards to break out into the leaders among the developed states of the planet. A good example of this is the development of domestic aviation. After the October Revolution of 1917, social lifts were opened for commoners, for those who came from among the workers and peasants. Vasily Molokov, thanks to his natural abilities, was able to overcome class barriers and get the profession of a pilot. To do this, I had to make great efforts, willpower and striving for the intended goal.
The future lieutenant general of the air force was born on February 13, 1895 in a simple peasant family. Parents at that time lived in the village of Irinskoye near Moscow. My father was engaged in arable farming and side trade. In winter, he went to Moscow and was hired as workers for breeders and merchants. After a while, two more children appeared in the house. When Vasily was nine years old, his father suddenly died. The boy had to leave his studies at the parish school and go to work.
Professional activity
For several years, Molokov worked as a peddler for a sbitn, a hammer in a forge, and a locksmith at a textile factory. The First World War began and Vasily was called up to serve in the navy. The savvy sailor was sent to the aviation station of the Baltic Fleet. Here Molokov mastered the specialty of a mechanic and after a short period of time received a referral to the school of aircraft mechanics. Already as a flight mechanic, he participated in hostilities against the White Guards on the territory of the Arkhangelsk province.
After the end of the Civil War, the military pilot was sent to study at the Zhukovsky Academy. After completing his studies, Molokov was appointed an instructor pilot at the Higher School of Red Naval Pilots. In 1931, after demobilizing from the ranks of the Air Force, Vasily Sergeevich received a referral to the board of directors for the post of a line pilot of an aviation detachment in the city of Krasnoyarsk. An experienced aviator was entrusted with mastering air routes in Siberia and the Arctic Ocean basin. In 1934, Molokov took part in the rescue of passengers and crew of the famous steamer Semyon Chelyuskin.
Recognition and privacy
The operation to rescue polar explorers from a drifting ice floe was carried out in difficult weather conditions. Soviet pilots were able to demonstrate a high level of professionalism. All people were saved. For this feat, Vasily Molokov, along with seven other pilots, received the honorary title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
During the Great Patriotic War, Molokov held various positions in the Air Force. He met victory as the commander of the night bombers division. The personal life of the renowned pilot has developed well. The wife shared with him all the hardships of official activities. The husband and wife raised a son who worked at the Cosmonaut Training Center. Vasily Molokov died in December 1982.
