14 January] 1905 – 11 February 1945) was a General-major of Aviation in the Soviet Air Forces who advanced the use of dive-bombing techniques during World War II.

Before entering the military he was a member of an aviation enthusiast group, but was initially considered unfit to fly because he couldn't move the pinky on his right hand.

[5] Polbin's unit was deployed to the western front in July 1941 shortly after the start of the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

Despite the weaker air brakes on the Soviet Pe-2 compared to the German Ju 87, Polbin managed to achieve an 80° dive angle — something very few other pilots were able to replicate.

During his combat missions he attacked Axis train stations, airfields, and other targets as well as engaging German dive bombers.

[7] One day before his death he was nominated for a second gold star for having flown 157 combat sorties and participated in major battles including the ones for Moscow, Smolensk, Stalingrad, Kursk, Kharkhov, the Dniepr, Kirovograd, and Lviv.