 While the recommendation was in progress, he was promoted to "Starshyi Unter-Officer" (Sergeant).On 13 May 1917, the appointment as "Praporshchik" came through on Order 506 of the Southwest Front armies.Five days later, he fought an inconclusive battle with an enemy aircraft over Bolshovtse; there were no witnesses to the enemy's forced landing, and Smirnov's machine was badly damaged in the encounter.