The formation's combat path began in July 1942 during a defensive operation in the town of Bely, Tver Oblast, then participated in Rzhev-Sychevskaya and in the Luki operation.
In May 1942, the Air Forces of the Kalinin Front were reorganised as the 3rd Air Army, comprising three fighter, two ground attack, and one bomber division.
In 1943, now husband and wife, the pair spent several months at the frontline, performing before Soviet soldiers and officers of the General Gromov's 3rd Air Army to the great delight of the fighters who admired the tandem and the film they starred in.
United States Army | United States Air Force | British Army | Royal Air Force | Union Army | Army | Red Army | United States Army Corps of Engineers | Confederate States Army | United States Army Air Forces | Australian Army | Royal Canadian Air Force | Indian Air Force | Indian Army | United States Air Force Academy | Special Air Service | French Army | Fleet Air Arm | British Indian Army | Provisional Irish Republican Army | Imperial Japanese Army | army | 3rd Rock from the Sun | United States Army Reserve | National Air and Space Museum | Continental Army | Royal Australian Air Force | People's Liberation Army | Army of the Potomac | Strategic Air Command |
During the Nevel-Gorodok operation, from 6 October - 31 December 1943, the Front (which changed names halfway through) consisted of 3rd and 4th Shock, 11th Guards and 43rd Armies, plus the 3rd Air Army.