• Served in the Spanish Civil War, fighting for the Republican side in 1936
  • Became Soviet Biplane Fighter Ace during that conflict
  • Was awarded the "Hero of the Soviet Union" and "Order of Lenin" in June of 1937 for his participation in the Spanish Civil War
  • Kopets was promoted to Major General of Aviation, June 4, 1940 making him one of the youngest Soviet Generals at the age of 31
  • ​Became Commanding General of Air Forces of the Western Front, June 1940
  • Upon Hitler's invasion of Russia "Operation Barbarossa", June 22, 1941, Kopets' forces were completely destroyed on the ground on the first day of the invasion
  • To defer blame from himself Stalin, condemned Kopets and other Western Front Senior Officers to death for their "negligence"
  • Upon hearing of his fate, on June 23, 1941, Major General Ivan Kopets committed suicide, at age 32
  • Born September 9, 1908. Died June 23, 1941
M-1940 Parade Uniform
of Major General of the Air Force 
Ivan Ivanovich Kopets
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Photo of Major General Kopets taken shortly before his death
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