Ivan Sytov

Who was Ivan Sytov?

Ivan Nikitovich Sytov was a Soviet fighter pilot and flying ace, credited with 26 kills and four shared victories. Initially serving with Stalingrad’s fighter school, Sytov then posted to 788 IAP, where he claimed at least one Bf-109 in September 1942. Lieutenant Ivan Sytov then joined 5th GIAP in December 1942.

Sytov fought during the Battle of Stalingrad and Battle of Kursk, scoring the majority of his kills during this period.After intensive operations on the Kalinin Front, the unit withdrew to equip with the new Lavochkin La-5.

On 13 October 1943 Sytov was shot down and killed by JG 52s Oberfeldwebel Walter Jahnke. Some Soviet sources claim he rammed a Bf 109, but according to German records no such incident occurred.