 In October 1942 Astafyev volunteered for the Soviet Army and, after six months spent in reserve units (first in Berdsk, then in Novosibirsk) in April 1943 was moved to Kaluga region as a soldier of the 92nd Howitzer brigade of the Kiev-Zhitomir division.In May Astafyev went into action, taking part in fierce fighting conducted by the Bryansk, Voronezh and Steppe Fronts.In October he was injured while force-crossing Dnieper (that was where and when he lost his right eye) and on 25 November received his first award, For Courage medal.