Since 12 July 1942 the army was incorporated into the newly created Stalingrad Front for defensive battles on approaches to Stalingrad. On 30 September 1942 Stalingrad Front was renamed as Don Front for the battle within the city. On 29 October 1942 the army subordinated to the reconstructed Southwestern Front for the Operation Uranus counter-offensive. On 4 November 1942 the 63rd Army was reflagged as the 1st Guards Army, which was named the 3rd Guards Army since 5 December.