P-39Q flown by Fedor Ivanovich Shikunov of 9 GIAP in late 1944. Despite joining the Red Air Force in 1940, Shikunov served through the first 2 years of the war as an instructor pilot. He finally got his chance to see combat in with his posting to 69 GIAP in June 1943 when the unit was in the rear converting to the P-39. 69 GIAP began combat operations with their Airacobras in October 1943 over central Ukraine and Shikunov had his first victory on October 9th. In April 1944, he was awarded the honor of being named to the Order of Alexander Nevsky for bravery against the German invaders. He painted the Alexander Nevsky medal on the starboard door of his P-39. Shikunov was also promoted to squadron commander at this time. He would lead the squadron until March 15, 1945, when he was shot down and killed by anti-aircraft fire. His official victory tally stood at 21, but some sources and photos of this very plane claim the number was really 25. He was posthumously awarded Hero of the Russian Federation in 1996.
This P-39Q features markings typical of 69 GIAP in 1944/45. Spinner and aircraft number were painted red and white. Small white bars were painted on the rudder. A large Guards emblem was painted on the port side door. 25 victory stars appear over the engine exhaust. The U.S. markings and serial number were painted over with Soviet colors.
