Viktor Ivanovich Belenko

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering your selfless descision to defect, but that by doing so you reduced the risk of a 3rd ww. The free world should honour you and your story should be forever taught.

I am a fan of Japan. Does anyone know where his grave is? I would like to go to his grave and pray there. Please let me know.

A year after Viktor´s passing, he still enters my memories and conversations. There was a time when he lived with us for a year and he joined me into tearing apart walls and ceilings to turn a small living room into a kitchen. Later on he would cook Russian meals for the family and teach our two young kids Russian swear words, which my daughter remembers to this day, some 30 years later.

I was in college Army R.O.T.C. when Viktor Ivanovich flew his Foxbat to Japan. I was in awe when I read the book he co-authored with John Barron. He's been one of my personal heroes ever since. I just hope our country was able to give him happiness and peace of mind. My condolences to his sons. S! (salute), Viktor Ivanovich (Belenko) Schmidt. With love and gratitude from your adopted homeland.

Yo Victor. Quite a shock to find out you passed. Hate that compadre. You´re probably shocked to see Gindu on the other side! Tell him yo for me. You two `try to stay out of trouble up there´! Sure do miss both of you boys. RIP compadres. I´ll be along in a couple more years. Love you both! Mild Bill

Courageous guy. Complicated personal story. Heard he left behind a family in Russia...I hope his Russian son found peace. Thank you for your service.

Pilot. MiG-25 Foxbat. Quest for Freedom from an authoritarian government... =. Courageous Hero.

Saddened to just hear of Viktor's passing. He became good friends with our family in Oshkosh and would stay with us during his visits to EAA. Many fond memories. I'm attaching a print of a painting my father (Bob) did of Viktor during one of his visits.

Viktor was a brother, friend, and a colleague. We shared more than a few adventures and intrigues. He was unique, for sure...funny, courageous, and bluntly honest.