Chronology of World War II

Saturday, June 5


Soviet Ace Pokryshkin


Soviet Ace Pokryshkin

Photo was originally published in the central VVS newspaper 'Stalin's Falcons' on June 5, 1943. Pokryshkin won his 30th victory on May 14 and the 31st victory on May 29. He was promoted to Major in June 1943. Unfortunately (again) neither serial number nor board number is visible. The first six victory stars on top line seems to be fully painted, outlined white or yellow, the rest seems to be only white stencils sprayed or painted over mask. Red star without darker circle background and without white outline is visible on the left upper wing, in place of the original USAF marking

White star in blue circle, so blue repainted by green, common at that time, is apparent. Look at coincidence with this photo.

Six apparent blotches are visible exactly where one would expect six red-white or yellow outlined victory stars. White stencils style stars are not so apparent, but some blotches still visible.

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