Yakov Smushkevich - Biography

Yakov Vladimirovich Smushkevich (Яков Владимирович Смушкевич; April 14, 1902 – October 28, 1941) was Commander of the Soviet Air Force.

He participated in the Spanish Civil War where he was known as "General Duglas" for which he received the Hero of the Soviet Union. He was in charge of aviation for the 1st Army Corps at the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, receiving Hero of the Soviet Union. He was the commander of Soviet Air Force from 1939 to 1940. He was arrested on June 8, 1941 and executed on personal order of Lavrentiy Beria on October 28, 1941.