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Polina Gelman: Small Stature, Legendary Night Witch Hero

7/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 1938, despite being deemed too small to fly, Polina Gelman refused to let her stature hold her back. She trained as a navigator and soared to fame as a member of the “Night Witches,” a legendary group of female aviators during World War II. Her bravery earned her the prestigious Hero of the Soviet Union medal.

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Story summary

In 1938, despite being deemed too small to fly, Polina Gelman refused to let her stature hold her back. She trained as a navigator and soared to fame as a member of the “Night Witches,” a legendary group of female aviators during World War II. Her bravery earned her the prestigious Hero of the Soviet Union medal.