Remembering Nadezhda Popova, A Soviet Combat Pilot and WWII ‘Night Witch’

The World

Russia is mourning the loss of one its World War II heroes.

Nadezhda (Nadia) Popova passed away in Moscow on July 8, aged 91.

Popova was awarded numerous medals, including the prestigious "Hero of the Soviet Union."

She was a combat aviator, a bomber pilot who flew over 850 missions. She and her comrades were known by the Germans as the "Night Witches."

By contrast, most US bomber pilots were rotated out of combat if they survived 25 missions.

Amy Goodpaster Strebe met and profiled Popova for her 2009 book, "Flying for Her Country: The American and Soviet Women Military Pilots of World War II."

"It was like meeting a rock-star." says Strebe. "Not only was she an amazing pilot, but such a courageous warrior."

She says Nadia was a pioneer for women, for being able to fly for her country in this capacity.

We also found some video footage to share with you:

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!