The answer to the question why, after the death of V. Kurdyumov the group remained without a commander is only in the memoirs of Rytov.It seems that the deputy commander of the group, Sizov (possibly, the name has been changed), in that very difficult situation did not wish to assume complete responsibility and categorically refused to accept command.Interestingly, Rytov remembers three similar circumstances.One of the pilots of this same group (identified under the pseudonym “Mashkin”), pleading indisposition, regularly avoided taking part in battle.The doctor finding nosigns of illness, the group was of one mind that the problem was cowardice and sent him to the rear to train the Chinese.In another group, the pilotN., seeking an escape from battle, shot through the cockpit of his aircraft, but then conquered his fear and later fought bravely, in one battle covering and saving the pilot Baranov, and later in the Finnish war became a Hero of the Soviet Union.In the bomber group the pilot K. shot himself in the shoulder.