Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub (Иван Никитович Кожедуб, June 8, 1920 - August 12, 1991) was a Marshal of the Soviet Air Force, a member of the CPSU since 1943. He was made a Hero of the Soviet Union on three separate occasions (February 4, 1944; August 19, 1944; August 18, 1945).

He was born in the village of Obrazheyevka in Ukraine. During the World War II he served as a fighter pilot, from March of 1943 on, at several fronts: (Voronezh Front , Steppe Front , 2nd Ukrainian Front , 1st Belorussian Front) and in different positions, starting from the senior airman (flying Lavochkin La-5) up to the deputy commander of the air regiment. He was the best Soviet flying ace, mostly known for flying Lavochkin La-7. He holds the record of the proved air battle victories among all the Allied air forces' pilots during the WW II.

In April 1951 he was the commander of the 324th Fighter Air Division dispatched to China to take part in the Korean War on the North Korean side. But he was not allowed to participate in combat missions.

Kozhedub's WWII record:

• 330 combat missions
• 120 air fights
• 62 enemy aircraft shot down, including one Me 262.

Kozhedub was awarded the Order of Lenin twice, seven Orders of the Red Banner, Order of Alexander Nevsky , two Orders of the Red Star , Order of Patriotic War First Class, and numerous medals.