JSC “UEC-Perm Engines” (a part of Rostec United Engine Corporation, member of Russian Engineering Union (Soyuzmash of Russia) has unveiled a memorial plaque in honour of Vladimir Shinkarenko (1925-1984), the Great Patriotic War’s hero, Full Cavalier of the Order of Glory and an exemplary worker in peacetime.
“The Perm Engine Plant has secured its rightful place in the legendary history of Russian aviation through the dedication of its exceptional workers. Among them is Vladimir Shinkarenko, whose name is forever inscribed in the plant’s Book of Honor. These tireless workers recognized no such words as ‘impossible’ or ‘insurmountable’; they built the future through heroic labor so that new generations could live in it and achieve new victories,” said Sergey Kharin, Executive Director of UEC-Perm Engines.
In 1943, at the age of eighteen, Vladimir Shinkarenko willingly joined the Red Army and fought with unparalleled bravery to liberate his homeland. He saw combat at the Kursk Bulge, where in his very first engagement he destroyed two Tiger tanks, was wounded, and earned his first military decorations.
Later serving as a scout in the 90th Guards Rifle Division, Shinkarenko repeatedly obtained vital intelligence behind enemy lines. For his role in the liberation of Vitebsk, he was awarded the Order of Glory 3rd Class. His exceptional valor during the Baltic Offensive earned him both the Order of Glory 2nd Class and 1st Class. By age twenty, the defender of the Motherland had become a full cavalier of the Order of Glory. His other decorations included medals “For Courage”, “For the Victory over Germany”, “30 Years of the Soviet Army and Navy” and the “Distinguished Scout” badge.
After Victory, starshina Shinkarenko continued his military service in the Urals. Following demobilization, he settled in Perm. From 1952 onward, he dedicated 31 years to Stalin Plant No. 19 (now UEC-Perm Engines), starting as a turbine disc polishing technician before advancing to equipment adjuster and workshop foreman.
For outstanding work achievements, Shinkarenko was awarded the titles of “Top Worker of Communist Labor” and “Best Mentor”. A memorial plaque in his honour has been installed at the main entrance to the production building housing the mechanical assembly shop where Vladimir Shinkarenko worked.
The opening ceremony was part of the plant's commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Distinguished guests included the hero's daughter Galina Levenchik, Vitaly Efremov - Military Commissar of Sverdlovsky and Leninsky Districts of Perm, and Nikolay Naydenov - Deputy Chairman of the Perm City Public Organization “Veterans of Perm Engines”.
