Ivan Alexandrovich Orlov | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 19 January 1895 St. Petersburg, Russian Empire |
| Died | 4 July 1917 |
| Allegiance | Russian Empire |
| Service | Imperial Russian Air Service |
| Years of service | 1914-1917 |
| Rank | Podporuchik |
| Unit | 5th Corps Air Detachment, IRAS; First Army Aviation Detachment, IRAS; Escadrille 3, Aéronautique Militaire |
| Awards | Cross of St. George Fourth Class, Cross of St. George Third Class, Cross of St. George Second Class, Order of Saint Anne Fourth Class, Order of Saint Anne Third Class, Order of Saint George Fourth Class, Order of Saint Stanislas Third Class with Crossed Swords and Bow, Order of Saint Vladimir Fourth Class with Crossed Swords and Bow, Gold Sword for Bravery, French Croix de Guerre with palm |
Podporuchik Ivan Aleksandrovich Orlov (19 January 1895 – 4 July 1917) was a Russian flying ace during World War I. He was a prewar flier, having built both gliders and an airplane, and having earned pilot's license no. 229 just prior to start of the war. He volunteered his experience and his personal airplane to his country's military service. His experience and his valor made him both a mentor and leader of less experienced pilots, as Orlov rose to command the 7th Aviatsionniy Ostryad Istrebitelei (7th Fighter Aviation Detachment) of the Imperial Russian Air Service. After an exchange duty assignment to the Escadrille 3, Aéronautique Militaire, he wrote the first Russian text on aerial combat, Ways to Conduct an Air Combat. He was killed in action after scoring five confirmed aerial victories.