He returned to Soviet lines in early 1942 and became a regimental commander before being appointed commander of the 52nd Motor Rifle Brigade in September 1942. Golovachev led the brigade in the Third Battle of Kharkov, during which it suffered heavy losses and was encircled. Decorated for his actions in the breakout, Golovachev continued to command the brigade, which became the 23rd Guards Motor Rifle Brigade for its actions in Operation Kutuzov. He was made a Hero of the Soviet Union twice for his leadership of the brigade in the Lvov–Sandomierz Offensive and the Sandomierz–Silesian Offensive. His second award proved posthumous, as he was killed in early March 1945.