Rudolf Perešin
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Rudolf Perešin[pronunciation?] (25 March 1958 – 2 May 1995) was a Croatian fighter pilot serving in the Yugoslav Air Force (JRZ) during the 1991–95 Croatian War of Independence who defected to the Croatian side in October 1991, by flying his MiG-21 fighter jet from Željava Air Base to Klagenfurt, Austria, on a reconnaissance flight for the JRZ. He was the first pilot to desert from the Yugoslav Air Force. Following his defection he continued to fly missions for the Croatian Air Force and was shot down in May 1995 by Serb Krajina military forces, resulting in his death.
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Rudolf Perešin | |
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Born | (1958-03-25)25 March 1958[1] Jakšinec, Yugoslavia[1] |
Died | 2 May 1995(1995-05-02) (aged 37) Stara Gradiška, Croatia |
Burial place | |
Allegiance | Yugoslavia (1981–1991) Croatia (1991–1995) |
Service/ | Yugoslav Air Force Croatian Air force |
Years of service | 1981–1995 |
Rank | Staff Brigadier (Brigadier General posthumously) |
Unit | 21st Fighter Squadron |
Battles/wars | Croatian War of Independence |
Awards |
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