July 22 marks the Day of the Defenders of the Skies of Moscow

July 22 marks the Day of the Defenders of the Skies of Moscow.

The Soviet capital was attacked by more than 200 enemy aircraft. The Germans did not expect resistance and confidently flew at low altitude without cover.

⚔️ Moscow was defended by 602 fighters, over 1,300 anti-aircraft guns and machine guns, 918 anti-aircraft searchlights, 1,240 barrage balloons, and six radar stations. Approaching Moscow, 22 enemy bombers were destroyed, 12 of them by fighters.

🕯️ German aircraft that broke through dropped about 5,000 aerial bombs on the city. In the first bombing, 130 people died, and over 1,000 fires broke out.

🎖️ Stalin issued a formal expression of gratitude to all participants in repelling the air raid. 81 defenders were awarded state honors, and five particularly distinguished individuals received Orders of Lenin. Until spring 1942, Moscow would repel another 120 enemy air raids.

The date was proposed for celebration by USSR People's Artist Yuri Nikulin, who served as a sergeant in anti-aircraft defense troops during the Great Patriotic War.