The Soviet Union was the only nation in WWII to officially deploy women in combat roles. The 588th Night Bomber Regiment, nicknamed the 'Night Witches' by the Germans, was an all-female unit that flew harrassment bombing missions. They flew obsolete wood-and-canvas biplanes (Polikarpov Po-2) that were slow but highly maneuverable. To avoid detection, they would cut their engines and glide silently over German positions before dropping their bombs. The only sound was the whistling of the wind in the wings, which the Germans likened to broomsticks. Despite their outdated equipment, they were highly decorated, with 23 members receiving the 'Hero of the Soviet Union' title.