The Night Witches: Soviet Women Who Terrorized the Nazis

Moscow, Russia. It takes a special something to strike mortal fear into the hearts of Nazi German soldiers. To be deemed a witch by these forces is nothing short of an honor. An honor afforded to female pilots in the Soviet Air Force. They were hated and feared so much that any German pilot who managed to down their plane was automatically awarded the Iron Cross Medal, typically awarded for bravery in battle.

TIMELINE
1917: The year was 1917, and Russia had boldly declared legal equality for women.
1941: On October 8, 1941, Order Number 0099 heralded the creation of three new women's regiments.
1944: From August 1944 through May 1945, the women continued their operations over Poland, participated in the East Prussian Offensive, and assisted in the Vestula Odor Offensive.

WHY THIS MATTERS
The story of Moscow is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know.

Episode 119 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters

Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-history

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