Vasily Sergeyevich Yefremov, was a squadron commander of the 10th Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment of the 270th Bomber Aviation Division who was twice awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, was a native of Tsaritsyn. He received his baptism of fire during the Winter War with Finland in 1939-1940. In 1941, he fought in the skies over Kiev. As part of the army’s strategic withdrawal, he was redeployed to the Stalingrad front.

During the defensive phase of the Battle of Stalingrad, Yefremov was responsible for the execution of combat missions with the objective of the destruction of enemy airfields, armored columns, crossings, and command posts. He demonstrated his expertise as a pilot by successfully navigating his aircraft through an anti-aircraft fire. His operational duties typically involved participation in combat missions conducted during nocturnal hours. Vasily Yefremov recalled: “Every night, we fly under the intense fire of anti-aircraft guns and Messerschmitts, smashing through the Nazis’ defenses. We’ve taken out railway stations, airfields, crossings and fortified points within the city”.

Subsequently, Vasily Yefremov participated in the destruction of the encircled German forces, with the primary objective being the elimination of enemy airfields. In total, Vasily Yefremov carried out 198 bombing, assault and reconnaissance missions in Stalingrad.

In May 1943, Vasily Efremov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his successful battles in Stalingrad and on the Orel-Kursk Bulge. He was bestowed with this high rank for a second time just four months later, in August 1943, in recognition of his pivotal role in the successful liberation of the Crimea. In Volgograd, a bronze bust of Vasily Sergeyevich Yefremov is situated on Lenin Avenue.