The Untold Story of the Only WWII’s Female Fighter Ace

Lydia Litvyak, known as the “White Lily of Stalingrad,” was a Soviet fighter pilot who defied expectations in the air. Flying the Yak-1, she engaged in intense aerial battles, scoring multiple victories before disappearing in combat. Her legacy remains one of skill, determination, and sacrifice.

Early Life and Passion for Flight

Born in Moscow on August 18, 1921, Lydia Litvyak grew up during a time of major social and political change in the Soviet Union. From a young age, she was fascinated by aviation. Whenever she saw an airplane in the sky, she dreamed of one day flying herself. At just 14, she joined a local flying club, determined to learn the skills needed to become a pilot.

By 15, Lydia had already completed her first solo flight. These early experiences gave her the technical skills and confidence that would later be essential in combat. As war loomed, her passion for aviation became a path to defending her homeland in the most dangerous way possible—by taking the fight to the enemy in the skies.

Joining the Soviet Air Force

When Germany launched Operation Barbarossa on June 22, 1941, the Soviet Union was suddenly engaged in a desperate fight for survival. Eager to contribute, Lydia applied to join the military aviation service. She was initially rejected but managed to gain entry by exaggerating her flight experience on her application. Her determination paid off when she was accepted into the 586th Fighter Aviation Regiment, an all-female unit formed under the leadership of Marina Raskova.

Lydia trained on the Yakovlev Yak-1, a nimble Soviet fighter. It was a reliable aircraft that gave skilled pilots an edge in dogfights. Her time with the 586th helped refine her combat skills, preparing her for the brutal air battles that lay ahead.

First Combat Victories

By the summer of 1942, the Battle of Stalingrad was intensifying, and Lydia was transferred to the 437th Fighter Aviation Regiment, a mixed-gender unit. This put her directly into some of the most dangerous fighting of the war. On September 13, during her third combat sortie, she faced her first real test in aerial combat. She flew into battle over Stalingrad in her Yak-1, marked with the number 32, engaging enemy bombers and fighters.

During this mission, she downed a Junkers Ju 88 bomber, marking her first confirmed victory. Soon after, she spotted a Messerschmitt Bf 109 targeting her squadron commander. With precise shooting, she took down the enemy fighter, securing a second kill in a single mission. This feat shocked both her Soviet comrades and the enemy, as captured German pilots reportedly expressed disbelief that a woman had shot them down.

Becoming an Ace and Free Hunter Missions

Recognizing her skill, Soviet commanders transferred Lydia to the elite 73rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment. This unit was assigned “free hunter” missions, allowing pilots to operate independently, searching for and destroying enemy aircraft without direct orders. This required exceptional flying ability, quick decision-making, and the courage to face combat alone.

During one of these missions, Lydia attacked a German artillery observation balloon. These balloons were heavily guarded by anti-aircraft guns and enemy fighters. Carefully planning her approach, she circled the battlefield before striking from behind. Her bullets ignited the hydrogen-filled balloon, destroying it in midair. This victory disrupted German artillery coordination and demonstrated her ability to outthink and outmaneuver her opponents.

Surviving Wounds and Forced Landings

Over her combat career, Lydia flew 66 sorties and engaged in numerous aerial battles. She frequently provided escort to Soviet bombers, ensuring their missions succeeded despite relentless enemy attacks. Her aggressive flying style and precise marksmanship earned her a reputation as one of the deadliest Soviet pilots of the war.

On March 22, 1943, while flying with five other Soviet fighters, Lydia engaged a formation of German bombers. She shot down one Ju 88 and attempted to engage a Messerschmitt Bf 109 before being forced to land due to damage from enemy fire. Despite being injured, she refused extended recovery time, returning to combat as soon as possible.

Another intense engagement occurred on July 16, 1943. Lydia’s unit faced 30 German bombers and their fighter escorts. She managed to damage several enemy planes, but her Yak-1 took severe hits. Forced to land, she survived yet another close call and was determined to return to battle. Her ability to keep fighting despite wounds and repeated emergency landings only added to her legend among her fellow pilots.

The Final Mission and Legacy

Lydia’s combat record varies depending on historical sources. Soviet records credit her with between 5 and 12 solo kills, along with several shared victories. What is undisputed is that she was the first woman ever to achieve ace status, a title given to fighter pilots with five or more aerial victories.

On August 1, 1943, she took off on what would be her final mission. Engaging German fighters over the Donbass region, she was last seen chasing an enemy aircraft before vanishing. Her fate remained a mystery for decades, with some Soviet officials initially believing she had been captured. However, in the 1970s, Soviet historians determined that she had likely been killed in action that day.