She was born in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union on August 18, 1921. She started flying at the age of 15 and in 1940 she graduated from the Kherson National Technical University Aviation School. She also took an additional course in navigation.
At the start of the Second World War, she applied for combat duty but her request was denied because females weren't allowed to fight. However, she and Marina Raskova kept sending their requests to the government until Joseph Stalin himself ordered the creation of the 586th Fighter Aviation Regiment, an all-female fighter unit.
She went on to become a fighter pilot in the Soviet Air Forces. She was assigned to the 586th Fighter Aviation Regiment, commanded by Marina Raskova. She flew combat missions against the Germans in the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Kursk, and was credited with 12 solo kills and 4 shared kills.
She was killed on August 1, 1943 after completing her 180th combat mission when her plane was shot down by anti-aircraft fire near Krasnyi Luch. She was posthumously awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union.
In total, Lily flew around 265 combat missions and achieved 16 solo victories. She became a symbol of patriotism and courage for many women in the Soviet Union and her story continues to inspire people today.