Militaryאפרים אשכנזי

Ephraim Ashkenazi

Ephraim Ashkenazi was an Israeli Air Force pilot who won the Israel Defense Prize for 1968.

1938 to 1969Israel Defense Prize for 1968Nesher firing system developmentEvaluating Mirage 3 aircraft

Born: 21 March 1938, Merhavia
Died: 15 December 1969
Occupation: military personnel
Rank: rav seren
Wars: Six-Day War

Ephraim Ashkenazi was born in 1938 in Merhavia

Ephraim Ashkenazi was born in 1938 at Kibbutz Merhavia to Pnina and Moshe Ashkenazi. His father later headed the Yizre'el Regional Council. He finished high school with honors and was active in the Hashomer Hatzair youth movement, leading its branches in Afula at 16 and Kiryat Haim at 18.

He joined the IDF in 1956 and volunteered for the Air Force, where he served as a pilot. He entered career service in 1958.

He was part of the Air Force delegation to the Paris Air Show. When Israel decided to buy Mirage 3 aircraft, he was sent to evaluate them and request changes for the Air Force. He led a team of officers that developed the firing system and improved the gun sight of the Nesher aircraft, work that won him the Israel Defense Prize for 1968.

After the Six-Day War he was sent to evaluate the Phantom and Skyhawk aircraft that the United States was to supply to Israel. On his return he was named deputy squadron commander. He died of cancer in December 1969 and was buried at Kibbutz Merhavia.

Ephraim Ashkenazi's life in 5 milestones

1938
Born at Kibbutz Merhavia.
1956
Joined the IDF and volunteered for the Air Force.
1958
Began career service in the Air Force.
1968
Received the Israel Defense Prize.
1969
Died of cancer and was buried at Merhavia.

Ephraim Ashkenazi served in IDF Pilot Course

He joined the IDF in 1956, served as an Air Force pilot, and entered career service in 1958. He later became deputy squadron commander after the Six-Day War.

IDF Pilot Course