| Nikolay Kirillovich Kokorin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Khlebnikovo, Russian Empire |
| Died | Podgaytsy |
| Allegiance | Russia |
| Service/branch | Engineers; aviation |
| Years of service | 1910–1917 |
| Rank | Ensign (praporshchik) |
| Unit | 4th Corps Fighter Detachment |
| Awards | Order of St. George, Cross of St. George, Order of St. Anne |
Nikolay Kirillovich Kokorin (Russian: Никола́й Кири́ллович Коко́рин; born May 8, 1889, village of Khlebnikovo — died May 16, 1917), was one of the most successful Russian flying aces and fighters pilot during World War I, credited with five aerial victories.[1][2]
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Little is known about his pre-World War I life. With little education, Kokorin joined the Russian military on December 23, 1910, serving first with the Vislyanskaya Mine battalion. He applied for a transfer to aviation the following year, but did not receive a permit until January 21, 1914. In September 1914, Kokorin qualified as a pilot.
Kokorkin began flying in a Nieuport 10 and in 1915 he switched to a Morane-Saulnier. Kokorin had a rank of praporshchik (ensign) at the beginning of his air service. Assigned to the 4th Corps Air Detachment on September 4, 1915, Kokorin was engaged in aerial combat on several occasions while flying reconnaissance missions but failed to score any victories.
In August 1916, his unit was moved to Luzk, where he flew the SPAD VII and later the Nieuport 11. In November, he was posted to the 4th Corps Fighter Detachment to serve under command of Alexander Kazakov; they were flying defensive sorties during the Siege of Ternopol.[1] Kokorin scored his first win on November 25, 1916. By May 26, 1917, he had run his total to five. On May 29, he was shot down by Leuts. Crybski and Quest of FFA 242.[2]