Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree awarding the title of Hero of Ukraine to Colonel Valentin Korenchuk, callsign 'Beekeeper'. The award was conferred posthumously. The pilot died while carrying out a combat mission on April 27, 2024. The official announcement of the award was published by the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Legendary Pilot and the 'Kyiv Ghost'
Valentin Korenchuk was the commander of a squadron in the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade, known as the 'Kyiv Ghost'. From the first hours of the full-scale invasion, he was at the heart of the action, participating in the Battle for the capital. During the first day of the war, the pilot made five combat sorties, repelling enemy attacks.
One of the most striking episodes of his service was a battle in which Korenchuk forced a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft to crash on the outskirts of Kyiv. The pilot achieved this solely through virtuoso maneuvering, without firing a single shot. This incident went down in history as an example of the highest professionalism and cool-headedness.
Technological Breakthrough and Diplomacy
Colonel Korenchuk was one of the pioneers in mastering Western weaponry. He became the first to use French AASM-250 HAMMER missiles in combat. Furthermore, he actively promoted the idea of transitioning Ukrainian aviation to Western aircraft, specifically F-16 fighters.
His role went beyond purely combat tasks: Korenchuk represented Ukraine's interests at meetings with delegations from France, Poland, and Japan, serving as a link between the Ukrainian Air Force and Western partners.
The Man Behind the Title
In addition to his service, Valentin Korenchuk was engaged in important public work. He conducted 'lessons of courage' for schoolchildren and supported the families of fallen and wounded servicemen. With his direct involvement, museum exhibitions dedicated to the history of aviation were organized in Kyiv, as well as the famous 'Kyiv Ghost' mural on Podil.
Valentin Korenchuk died on April 27, 2024. The pilot's widow and three children must live without their father and husband, who left behind an example of self-sacrifice.
New Names on the List of Heroes
Korenchuk's death was another tragic loss for Ukrainian aviation. Earlier, in March, the commander of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade, Hero of Ukraine Alexander Dovgach, died in eastern Ukraine; he had hundreds of successful combat sorties to his credit.
In this war, a woman also received the title of Hero of Ukraine for the first time: National Guard machine gunner Alexandra Davydenko, callsign 'Vyrva', became the first in the history of this branch of the armed forces to be awarded the highest honor.
Meanwhile, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a separate farewell ritual for military personnel whom the court has declared dead. This decision is aimed at ensuring that every defender, regardless of circumstances, has their own place of memory and a dignified farewell.