Texture for Thicko's excellent CFS2 Lavochkin La-5F, flown by Major Lenoid Gal'chenko, deputy CO of 324 IAD, winter 1944-45. The plane is available from: Simouthouse.com in the CFS2 aircraft download section.
Additional Information: Capt. Gal'chenko served in the 145 IAP during Barberossa, flying an I16 and claiming one German aircraft shot down. The Murmansk based unit was one of the first to re-equip with LAGG fighters in August 1941. He was awarded the HSU but would not accept it unless his wingman also received the honor because he claimed his wingman had saved him from certain death on numerous occasions. Both pilots were awarded the HSU on 6 June 1942. His famous "cat" emblem was first used in September 1941 and Gal'chenko believed it brought him luck. He was never shot down during the war. He stayed in the far north front, leading the 609 IAP and finally promoted to Major serving as deputy CO of 324 IAD. His final victory was on 22 October 1944. During the Great Patriotic War Gal'chenko flew 310 sorties and scored 24 individual and 12 group victories. The aircraft is finished in the factory winter color scheme of 1944-45.
Submitted by PSULLYKEYS
Additional Information: Capt. Gal'chenko served in the 145 IAP during Barberossa, flying an I16 and claiming one German aircraft shot down. The Murmansk based unit was one of the first to re-equip with LAGG fighters in August 1941. He was awarded the HSU but would not accept it unless his wingman also received the honor because he claimed his wingman had saved him from certain death on numerous occasions. Both pilots were awarded the HSU on 6 June 1942. His famous "cat" emblem was first used in September 1941 and Gal'chenko believed it brought him luck. He was never shot down during the war. He stayed in the far north front, leading the 609 IAP and finally promoted to Major serving as deputy CO of 324 IAD. His final victory was on 22 October 1944. During the Great Patriotic War Gal'chenko flew 310 sorties and scored 24 individual and 12 group victories. The aircraft is finished in the factory winter color scheme of 1944-45.
Submitted by PSULLYKEYS
