12 Soviet women who contributed hugely to crushing Nazism
Lyudmila Pavlichenko Archive Photo During WWII, Soviet women often displayed no less heroism than men, fighting the enemy as pilots, tank drivers, snipers or partisans. Ninety women were decorated with the highest military award, the Hero of the Soviet Union, for their contribution to victory.
Lidiya Litvyak Sputnik
With 12 air victories, fighter pilot Lidya Litvyak was the best female hotshot not only of WWII, but of all times. She was killed in action on August 1, 1943, when she was only 21.
Yekaterina Budanova Wikipedia
Yekaterina Budanova was female ace number 2, and a friend of Lidiya Litvyak. She is credited with 11 victories. Budanova never saw the end of the war, since she was killed in 1943 at the age of 26.