Galina Dzhunkovskaya

Galina Ivanovna Markova née Dzhunkovskaya (Russian: Галина Ивановна Джунковская; 6 October 1922 – 12 September 1985) was a squadron navigator in 125th Guards Dive Bomber Regiment during the Second World War who was honored with the title Hero of the Soviet Union on 18 August 1945.

When the war started, she was recruited by Marina Raskova to the 122nd Special Aviation Group[a] and had her navigator's training at Engels Military Flying School.

On 23 June 1944, in their second sortie of the day, their aircraft was hit by enemy flack while approaching the target; the left engine was set aflame and the gunner killed.

[4][3] On 23 December 1944, Dzhunkovskaya was nominated for the title Hero of the Soviet Union for having completed 62 missions, taken part in five aerial engagements and been credited with two shared kills.

[3][5] Shortly after the end of the war, in June 1945 Dzhunkovskaya was transferred to the 107th Separate Airborne Communication Squadron, which was based in Mongolia as part of the 6th Bomber Aviation Corps.

After receiving the title she remained in the military for several more years, and continued to serve with the 107th squadron in the Far East until being transferred in 1946 to the 326th Long-range Bomber Aviation Division.