№ 1988. The 100th Anniversary of Boris F. Safonov, Fighter Pilot, Twice Hero of the Soviet Union

Boris Safonov was born in Sinyavino village, Tula region. In 1934 he was graduated from the aviation school of pilots.

He was the commander of the squadron of Aviation Regiment of Northern Fleet to the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War. He made 109 sorties on Polikarpov I-16 plane. By the end of the summer of 1941 Boris was awarded the Order of the Red Banner by the end of summer 1941. Captain Boris Safonov, the commander of the squadron of 72 Aviation Regiment, was awarded the title "Hero of the Soviet Union" for heroism and courage by the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet September 16, 1941.

Since October 1941 Major Safonov was a commander of the 78 Fighter Regiment. March 1942, Boris became a commander of the 2 Guards Aviation Regiment.

By May 1942, Boris Safonov was made about 230 sorties, 34 air battles, had 22 personal victories and 3 group victories. Lieutenant Colonel Boris Safonov was made his last sortie May 30, 1942 to cover the Allied convoy that came to Murmansk. He shot down two aircraft and damaged the third, but he was killed in this battle. Lieutenant Colonel Boris Safonov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union posthumously by the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on June 14, 1942.

BF Safonov was the first who was twice awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for deeds during the Great Patriotic War.

The stamp depicts a portrait of BF Safonov on the background of the plane and 16 on which it made its combat missions and shot down 17 enemy aircraft.