Mikhail Petrovich Devyataev (Russian: Михаил Петрович Девятаев; Moksha/Erzya: Михаил Петрович Девятаев; 8 July 1917 – 24 November 2002), a name synonymous with extraordinary courage and an indomitable spirit, was a decorated Soviet fighter pilot whose life was marked by an incredible feat during World War II. Born into a Moksha peasant family in Torbeyevo, Mordovia, Devyataev rose through the ranks of the Soviet Air Force to become a formidable ace pilot before his capture by Nazi forces. He is most famously remembered for his audacious and meticulously planned escape from a highly secure Nazi concentration camp located on the island of Usedom in the Baltic Sea, an escape that not only secured his freedom but also yielded critical intelligence for the Allied war effort.

Devyataev's remarkable story took a dramatic turn on 13 July 1944, when his Petlyakov Pe-2 dive bomber was shot down over Lviv, Ukraine, during a combat mission. He was severely wounded and subsequently captured by German forces. Following his capture, Devyataev endured the brutal realities of several Nazi concentration camps, including Łódź, Sachsenhausen, and eventually, the notorious V-2 rocket development facility at Peenemünde on the island of Usedom. This specific camp, a sub-camp of Sachsenhausen known as Karlshagen or Concentration Camp Peenemünde, was not merely a place of suffering but a vital hub for Nazi Germany's advanced weaponry programs, particularly the V-weapon program. Prisoners, including highly skilled individuals like Devyataev, were often forced into labor supporting the development and testing of these pioneering, yet devastating, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles (V-1 and V-2 rockets), which were a significant threat to Allied cities.

On 8 February 1945, Mikhail Devyataev, along with nine other Soviet prisoners of war (Ivan Krivonogov, Vladimir Sokolov, Vladimir Nemchenko, Fyodor Serdyukov, Dmitry Kiselev, Pyotr Kutergin, Nikolai Urvachev, Ivan Tsoganov, Mikhail Yelets), executed one of the most daring escapes in military history. The plan was audacious: they would hijack a Heinkel He 111 bomber, a German medium bomber, from the heavily guarded Peenemünde airfield. Devyataev, leveraging his expertise as a pilot and meticulously observing the daily routines and security protocols of the airfield, led the group. They meticulously prepared, identifying the most suitable aircraft – an He 111 H-22 – and disabling its bombsight, a crucial navigational tool, to make it appear non-operational to German ground crews. Seizing a moment of opportunity during a lunch break, the ten prisoners overwhelmed a guard, commandeered the bomber, and, against all odds, managed to start the engines and take off under intense enemy fire. Devyataev piloted the aircraft, navigating through adverse weather conditions and dodging German fighter pursuit, successfully flying the bomber across the front lines and landing it in Soviet-controlled territory, near the village of Gollnow (now Goleniów, Poland).

The escape's significance extended far beyond the personal liberation of ten men. The hijacked Heinkel He 111, specifically a He 111 H-22 variant, was equipped with unique telemetry equipment used for testing the V-2 rockets. This aircraft and the detailed intelligence provided by Devyataev and his fellow escapees offered the Soviets invaluable first-hand information about the secret V-weapon program at Peenemünde, including the launch mechanisms, guidance systems, and testing procedures. This intelligence proved crucial for Soviet efforts to counter the V-threat and later, to develop their own missile technology. Initially, Devyataev and his comrades were subjected to NKVD scrutiny, common for returning POWs, to verify their loyalty and ensure they weren't German spies. However, once the value of their intelligence was recognized, Mikhail Devyataev was fully vindicated and celebrated. For his unparalleled courage and strategic contribution, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the highest honorary title in the Soviet Union, on 15 August 1957, a testament to his extraordinary bravery and the critical impact of his actions.

After the war, Mikhail Devyataev continued his service, eventually retiring from the military. He spent his later years working as a captain of hydrofoil passenger boats in Kazan, on the Volga River. He dedicated much of his time to sharing his incredible story, ensuring that the sacrifices and bravery of all prisoners of war were remembered. Devyataev passed away on 24 November 2002, leaving behind a legacy of heroism, resilience, and an unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. His story serves as a powerful reminder of human ingenuity and determination during one of history's darkest periods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mikhail Devyataev

Who was Mikhail Petrovich Devyataev?

Mikhail Petrovich Devyataev was a Soviet fighter pilot and a decorated Hero of the Soviet Union, renowned for his extraordinary escape from a Nazi concentration camp on the island of Usedom in February 1945.

Where was the concentration camp he escaped from located?

The concentration camp was a sub-camp of Sachsenhausen, located at Peenemünde on the island of Usedom in the Baltic Sea. This site was crucial for Nazi Germany's V-weapon development program, specifically for the V-1 and V-2 rockets.

How did Mikhail Devyataev escape?

Devyataev, along with nine other Soviet prisoners, executed a daring escape by hijacking a German Heinkel He 111 bomber from the heavily guarded Peenemünde airfield, with Devyataev himself piloting the aircraft across the front lines to Soviet territory.

What was the significance of his escape?

His escape provided the Soviet Union with invaluable intelligence regarding the secret V-2 rocket development program at Peenemünde, including details about the rockets and their telemetry equipment. This information proved vital for Allied intelligence efforts and post-war Soviet missile development.

What recognition did Devyataev receive for his actions?

After initial scrutiny by Soviet authorities, Mikhail Devyataev was fully vindicated and awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on 15 August 1957, the highest Soviet honorary title, for his exceptional bravery and strategic contribution to the war effort.