June 22, 1941, started as usual in Stalingrad. On that particular Sunday, the weather was characterized by high temperatures and clear skies. At noon, the residents of Stalingrad were informed of the commencement of the war. The number of people on the streets decreased. The male population of the city proceeded to their respective places of employment and military recruitment centers. A draft was announced for men between the ages of 18 and 35. A significant number of individuals volunteered for active duty on the frontlines.

One of the mobilized was Ivan Trofimovich Krasnoslobodtsev. He was summoned on 8 July 1941 — his daughter’s birthday. Prior to his visit to the enlistment office, he was photographed with his daughter Valya. A few months later, he would die. In the course of one of the battles in November 1941, Ivan Krasnoslobodtsev sustained a head injury. He remained unconscious on the ground for an extended period. A comrade discovered him, but, due to his own wounds and the loss of a significant amount of blood, he was unable to provide the necessary medical assistance. Ivan Trofimovich succumbed to his injuries in German captivity in November 1942.