After recovering from his injuries in December that year he was assigned to work for the Chernogovskoye Military-Emergency Services Association, where he was soon promoted to flight commander.

Upon redeployment in September 1943 he returned to combat, but during his first sortie he received minor injuries, resulting in him being sent back to study.

Eventually he was able to return to the 523rd Fighter Aviation Regiment in May 1944, and by the end of the war he shot down two or three enemy aircraft – two Bf 109[1] and possibly an FW 190 throughout the course of over 200 missions.

In May he entered combat, and from then until February 1952 he flew over 100 sorties[b], which resulted in him tallying 52 aerial engagements, one shared and 12[1] or 13 solo shootdowns.

[4] In August 1952 during the midst of hostilities in Korea he was recalled from combat and sent to attend the Air Force Academy in Monino.