Orders of the Day on the Red Army's Victories, July 24

Orders of the Day on the Red Army's Victories, July 24 - September 25, 1943

<"Order_of_the_Day_July_24_1943">Order of the Day, July 24, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army-General Rokossovsky, Army-General Valutin and Colonel-General Popov

Yesterday, on July 23, as the result of the successful operations of our troops, the complete liquidation of the German July offensive was accomplished in the areas south of Orel and north of Byelgorod in the direction of Kursk.

On the morning of July 5 the German-fascist troops, with large forces of tanks and infantry, supported by large air forces, passed to the offensive in the Orel-Kursk and Byelgorod-Kursk directions. The Germans hurled into attack against our troops their main forces, concentrated in the areas of Orel and Byelgorod.

As is now clear, the German Command sent into action: in the Orel-Kursk direction—seven tank, two motorized and eleven infantry divisions; and in the Byelgorod-Kursk direction—ten tank, one motorized and seven infantry divisions. Thus altogether the enemy hurled into attack seventeen tank, three motorized and eighteen German infantry divisions.

Concentrating these forces on narrow sectors of the front, the German Command reckoned, by concentric blows from the north and from the south in the general direction towards Kursk, on piercing our defences, and on encircling and wiping out our troops stationed along the arc of the Kursk salient.

This new German offensive did not take our troops unawares. They were prepared not only to repulse the German offensive, but also to deal mighty counter-blows. At the cost of tremendous losses in man-power and equipment, the enemy succeeded in driving a wedge into our defences to a depth of about nine kilometres (six miles) in the Orel-Kursk direction and of 15 to 35 kilometres in the Byelgorod-Kursk direction.

In fierce engagements our troops wore down and bled white the picked German divisions, and followed this up by violent counterblows by which they not only hurled back the enemy and completely restored the position they had occupied before July 5, but also broke through the enemy’s defences and advanced 15 to 25 kilometres towards Orel.

The battles fought for the liquidation of the German offensive have demonstrated the high military skill of our troops. Unprecedented examples of stubbornness, steadfastness and heroism have been displayed by the men and commanders of all arms, including artillery and mortar gunners, tankmen and airmen.

Thus the German plan for a summer offensive can be considered as having failed completely. Thus the legend that in a summer offensive the Germans are always successful, and that the Soviet troops are compelled to retreat, is refuted.

In the fighting for the liquidation of the German offensive, the troops of Lt.-Gen. Pukhov, Lt.-Gen. Galinin, Lt.-Gen. of Tank Forces Rodin, Lt.-Gen. Romanenko, Lt.-Gen. Kolpakchi, Lt.-Gen. Chistyakov, Lt.-Gen. of Tank Forces Katukov, Lt.-Gen. of Tank Forces Rotmistrov, Lt.-Gen. Zhadov, Lt.-Gen. Shumilov, Lt.-Gen. Kryuchenkin, and airmen of air formations under Col.-Gen. of Aviation Golovanov, Lt.-Gen. of Aviation Krasovsky, Lt.-Gen. of Aviation Rudenko and Lt.-Gen. of Aviation Naumenko, particularly distinguished themselves.

During the engagements from July 5-23, the enemy suffered the following losses: Officers and men killed, over 70,000; tanks destroyed or disabled, 2,900; self-propelling guns, 195; field guns, 844; planes destroyed, 1,392; and motor vehicles, over 5,000.

I congratulate you and the troops under your command on the successful liquidation of the German summer offensive. I express my gratitude to all men, commanders and political workers of the troops under your command for their excellent operations.

Immortal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and honour of our Motherland!

(Signed) J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_August_5_1943"> Order of the Day, August 5, 1943

Issued by J.V. Stalin, Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and addressed to Colonel-General Popov, Colonel-General Sokolovsky, Army-General Rokossovsky, Army-General Vatutin and Colonel-General Koniev

To-day, August 5, the troops on the Bryansk front, with the support on their flanks of the troops of the Western and Central fronts, as a result of violent engagements captured the town of Orel.

To-day also the troops of the Steppe and Voronezh fronts broke the resistance of the enemy and captured the town of Byelgorod.

One month ago, on July 5, the Germans began their summer offensive from the areas of Orel and Byelgorod in order to surround and wipe out our troops in the Kursk salient and to occupy Kursk. Repulsing all attempts of the enemy to break through to Kursk from the direction of Orel and Byelgorod, our troops themselves went over to the offensive and on August 5, exactly one month after the beginning of the July offensive of the Germans, re-occupied Orel and Byelgorod.

Thus the German myth that the Soviet troops are allegedly incapable of waging a successful offensive in the summer has now been dispelled.

To commemorate the victories won, the 5th, 129th and 380th Infantry Divisions, which were the first to break into the town of Orel and liberate it, will be named Orel Divisions, and henceforth they will be named the 5th Orel Infantry Division, the 129th Orel Infantry Division, the 380th Orel Infantry Division.

The 89th Guards and 305th Infantry Divisions, which were the first to break into the town of Byelgorod and to liberate it, will be named Byelgorod Divisions and will henceforth be named the 89th Guards Byelgorod Infantry Division and the 305th Byelgorod Infantry Division.

Today, August 5, at 24.00 hours (Moscow time), the capital of our country, Moscow, will salute our valiant troops who liberated Orel and Byelgorod with 12 salvoes from 120 guns.

For excellent offensive operations I express my thanks to all the troops commanded by you who took part in the operations to liberate Orel and Byelgorod.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

(Signed) J. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_August_15_1943_">Order of the Day, August 15, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin

On August 15, this year, as a result of our stiff fighting, the 16th and 84th Guards Infantry Divisions and the 238th and 369th Infantry Divisions liberated the town of Kara-chev from the German invaders, and in so doing displayed examples of courage and skilful fighting operations.

To mark the success they achieved, the name of Karachev shall be conferred on the 16th and 84th Guards Infantry Divisions, and the 238th arid 369th Infantry Divisions which liberated the town of Karachev. Henceforth they shall be named as follows: the 16th Karachev Guards Infantry Division, the 84th Karachev Guards Infantry Division, the 238th Karachev Infantry Division, the 369th Karachev Infantry Division.

(Signed) Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_August_23_1943_">Order of the Day, August 23, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin, Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and addressed to the Colonel-General Koniev, Army General Vatutin and Army General Malinovsky

To-day, August 23, the troops of the Steppe Front, with the active assistance of the troops of the Voronezh and south-western fronts on the flanks, as a result of fierce engagements, crushed enemy resistance and captured the city of Kharkov by storm. Thus the second capital of the Ukraine, our own Kharkov, has been liberated from the yoke of the German-fascist blackguards.

In offensive engagements for the capture of the city of Kharkov our troops displayed a high degree of military training, valour and skill in manoeuvring. Troops under the command of Major-General Managarov, Lieutenant-General Kriuchenkin, Lieutenant-General Shumil-ov, Lieutenant-General Gagen and Lieutenant-General of Tank Troops Rotmistrov and airmen commanded by Lieutenant-General of Aviation Goryunov distinguished themselves in the fighting for the city of Kharkov, also units of the 33rd Infantry Corps of Guards under the command of Major-General Kozlov and the 34th Infantry Corps under the command of Major-Gen-eral Kolchigin.

To mark the liberation of Kharkov the name "Kharkov" is conferred on the 89th Byelgorod Infantry Division of Guards, the 252nd, 84th, 299th, 116th, 375th and 183rd Infantry Divisions and the 15th, 28th and 93rd Infantry Divisions of Guards, and henceforth they are named: the 89th Byelgorod-Kharkov Infantry Division of Guards, the 252nd Kharkov Infantry Division, the 84th Kharkov Infantry Division, the 116th Kharkov Infantry Division, the 183rd Kharkov Infantry Division, the 15th Kharkov Infantry Division of Guards, the 28th Kharkov Infantry Division of Guards and the 93rd Kharkov Infantry Division of Guards.

As a mark of celebration of the occasion of the victory achieved at Kharkov, to-day August 23, at 21.00, the capital of our Motherland – Moscow – will salute on behalf of the Motherland, with 20 artillery salvoes from 224 guns, our gallant troops which liberated Kharkov.

For the splendid offensive operations I thank all troops under your command which took part in the operation for the liberation of Kharkov. Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the liberty and independence of our Motherland.

Death to the German invaders!

Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_August_30_1943_">Order of the Day, August 30, 1943

Issued by Marshal Statin, and addressed to Colonel-General Tolbukhin

As a result of violent battles, the troops of the southern front have routed the Germans' Taganrog grouping and to-day, August 30, captured the town of Taganrog. This new victory gained by our troops in the South was achieved as a result of a bold manoeuvre by cavalry and mechanized formations which broke through into the rear of the enemy troops. As a result of the operation our troops have completely liberated the Rostov Region from the German invaders.

In the fighting for the liberation of the Rostov Region and the town of. Taganrog, Kuban Cossack cavalry under Guards Lieutenant-General Kirichenko, the Stalingrad tankmen under Guards Lieutenant-General of tank troops Tanashikhin, troops under Lieutenant-General Tzvetayev, Lieutenant-General Zakharov, Lieutenant-General Gerasimenko and Lieutenant-General Khomenko, and airmen under Lieutenant-General of Aviation Khryukin, particularly distinguished themselves.

To commemorate the liberation of the Rostov Region and the town of Taganrog, the name of Taganrog Divisions will be conferred upon the 130th Infantry Division and the 416th Infantry Division, composed of Azerbaidjanians. These divisions will henceforth be known as the 13Qth Taganrog Infantry Division and the 416th Taganrog Infantry Division.

In honour of the victory at Taganrog today, August 30, at 19.30 Moscow time, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, will salute with twelve artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops which have liberated the Rostov Region and the town of Taganrog.

For the excellent military operations, I express my thanks to all the troops led by you which have taken part in the operation for the liberation of the Rostov Region and the town of Taganrog, and above all to the 130th Taganrog Infantry Division commanded by Colonel Sychov, the 416th Taganrog Infantry Division commanded by Colonel Syzranov, the 15th Mechanized Brigade commanded by Major Tatirov, the 6th Guards Tank Brigade commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Zhidkov, the 32nd Guards Tank Brigade commanded by Colonel Grinevich, the 4th Mechanized Brigade commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Yepanshin, the 9th Guards Kuban Cavalry Division commanded by Major-General Tatarinov, the 30th Cavalry Division commanded by Major-General Golovsky, the 31st Guards Infantry Corps commanded by Major-General Ut-venko, the Guards Machine-Guns Artillery Battalions of the first fortified area commanded by Colonel Dakhteyev, the 2nd Guards Artillery Division commanded by Colonel Alekseyev, the 236th Air Fighter Division commanded by Colonel Kudryashev, the 270th Air Bomber Division commanded by Colonel Chuchev, the 9th Guards Air Ffighter Regiment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Morozov, and the 31st Guards Air Fighter Regiment commanded by Major Yeremin.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom of our Motherland! Death to the German invaders!

Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_August_31_1943_">Order of the Day, August 31, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Sokolvsky

Troops of the western front recently broke through the strongly fortified enemy defence line and, developing their offensive in the Smolensk direction, yesterday, August 30th, captured the’ town of Yelnya, a strategically important large junction of roads and the most important centre of resistance of the enemy defences in the Smolensk direction.

In the fighting for the town of Yelnya the following distinguished themselves: Guards tankmen commanded by Major-General Burdeinov, troops commanded by Lieutenant-General Gordov, by Major-General Krylov, by Lieutenant-General Trubnikov, airmen commanded by Marshal of Aviation Golovanov and Lieutenant-General of Aviation Gromov.

To mark the victory won .by our troops at the town of Yelna, the name of Yelna will be conferred on the 29th Guards Red Banner Infantry Division, the 25th Tank Brigade, the 26th Tank Brigade, the 23rd Guards Independent Tank Brigade and the 119th Independent Tank Regiment, which distinguished themselves in the fighting for the town of Yelna. They will henceforth be named the 29th Guards Red Banner Yelna Infantry Division, the 76th Yelna Infantry Division, the 25th Yelna Tank Brigade, the 26th Yelna Tank Brigade, the 23rd Guards Yelna Independent Tank Brigade.

In the name of our country, our capital Moscow, to-day, August 31, at 19.00 hours Moscow time, will salute with twelve artillery salvoes from 124 guns our glorious troops who have won victory at the town of Yelna.

For distinguished military service and skilful manoeuvring I express my thanks to all the troops you command who participated in ‘ the operations in the Smolensk direction, and above all for the skilful operations by the 29th Guards Red Banner Yelna Infantry Division commanded by Lieutenant-General Stuch-enko, to the 26th Yelna Infantry Division commanded by Colonel Babayan, the 25th Yelna Tank Brigade commanded by Colonel Shevchenko, the 26th Yelna Brigade commanded by Colonel Nester-ov, the 23rd Guards Yelna Independent Tank Brigade commanded by Colonel Kalinin, the 119th Yelna Independent Tank Regiment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Losik and the 63rd Infantry Division commanded by Colonel Lapkin.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and honour of our Motherland! Death to the German invaders!

(Signed) Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_August_31_1943b">Order of the Day, August 31, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Rokossovsky

Troops of the Central Front, breaking through strongly fortified enemy defence lines in the area of Sevsk by a decisive attack, on August 30 captured the town of Glukhov and Rylsk and entered the Northern Ukraine.

In the fighting for the liberation of the towns of Sevsk, Glukhov and Rylsk from the German invaders, the troops which distinguished themselves were Guards tankmen commanded by, Lieutenant-General of Tank Troops Korchagin, tankmen commanded by Major-General Ruchenko, troops commanded by Lieutenant-General Cherny-kovsky, Lieutenant-General Batov, and Lieutenant-General of Tank Troops Bogdanov, and airmen commanded by Lieutenant-General of Aviation Rudenko.

To mark the victory they have won, the divisions and artillery formations which exceptionally distinguished themselves in the fighting for Glukhov, Rylsk and Sevsk are to have the following titles conferred upon them. The name of "Glukhov" is to be conferred on the 70th Guards Red Banner Infantry Division, the 226th Infantry Division, the 23rd Tank Brigade and the 1st Guards Artillery Division.

The name of "Rylsk" is to be conferred on the 121st Infantry Division and the 112th Infantry Division.

The name of "Sevsk" is to be conferred on the 69th Red Banner Infantry Division, the 103rd Tank Brigade, the 43rd Motorized Brigade, the 255th Independent Tank Regiment, the 68th Heavy Artillery Brigade and the 100th Red Banner Heavy Artillery Brigade.

Henceforth these formations are to be named the 70th Guards Red Banner Glukhov Infantry Division, the 226th Glukhov Infantry Division, the 23rd Glukhov Tank Brigade, the 1st Glukhov Guards Artillery Division, the 121st Rylsk Infantry Division, the 112th Rylsk Infantry Division, the 69th Red Banner Sevsk Infantry Division, the 60th Sevsk Infantry Division, the 103rd Sevsk Tank Brigade, the 43rd Sevsk Motorized Brigade, the 255th Sevsk Independent Tank Regiment, the 68th Sevsk Heavy Artillery Brigade and the 100th Red Banner Sevsk Heavy Artillery Brigade.

In the name of our country, our capital Moscow will to-day, August 31, at 20.30 Moscow time, salute our glorious troops who liberated the towns of Glukhov, Rylsk and Sevsk, with twelve artillery salvoes from 124 guns.

For distinguished military services and skilful operations I express my thanks to all troops led by you who have taken part in the fighting for Sevsk, Glukhov and Rylsk, and above all to the 70th Guards Red Banner Glukhov Infantry Division commanded by General Butev, the 226th Glukhov Infantry Division commanded by Colonel Vitrenko, the 1st Guards Glukhov Artillery Division commanded by Major-General of Artillery Godin, the 23rd Glukhov Tank Brigade commanded by Colonel Demidov, the 121st Rylsk Infantry Division commanded by Major-General Ladygln, the 112th Rylsk Infantry Division commanded by Colonel Gladkov, the 69th Red Banner Sevsk Infantry Division commanded by Colonel Kuzadkov, the 60th Sevsk Infantry Division commanded by. Colonel Babilensky,,. the 103rd Sevsk Tank Brigade commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Khalayev, the 103rd Sevsk Motorized Brigade commanded Major-General Barinov, the 655th Sevsk Independent Tank Regiment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Mukin, the 68th Sevsk Heavy Artillery Brigade commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Vassilev, the 100th Red Banner Sevsk Heavy Artillery Brigade commanded by Colonel Kuznetsov, the 6th. Guards Infantry Division., commanded by Major-General Ahoprienko, the 322nd Infantry Division commanded by Colonel Losenko, the 150th Independent Tank Brigade commanded by Lieutenant-General Griumov, the 178th Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment commanded by Colonel Fedov, and air formations commanded by Major-General of Aviation Denisov, Major-General . of Aviation Antoshin, Major-General of Aviation Kravatsky, Colonel Komarov and Colonel Budilev.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland! Death to the German invaders!

(Signed) Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_2_1943_">Order of the Day, September 2, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Vatutin

To-day, on September 2, our troops of the Voronezh front captured, in fighting, the important regional centre of the Ukraine, the town of Sumy.

In the offensive engagements for the liberation of the town of Sumy from the German invaders, troops under the command of Lieutenant General Chibissov distinguished themselves, particularly the 340th Infantry Division under the command of Colonel Zubarev, the 167th Infantry Division under Major-General Melnikov and the 232nd Infantry Division under the command of Major-General Ulitin.

To commemorate the success achieved, the 340th, 167th, and 232nd Infantry Divisions shall be named "Sumy" Divisions and will be called in future the 340th Sumy Infantry Division, the 167th Sumy Infantry Division and the 232nd Sumy Infantry Division.

To-day, September 2, at 20.00 hours Moscow time, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, will, in the name of the Motherland, salute with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns the gallant troops which liberated the town of Sumy.

I express my gratitude to all the troops commanded by you which participated in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Sumy, for their excellent military operations and valour.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom of our Motherland! Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_8_1943_">Order of the Day, September 8, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Malinkovsky and Colonel-General Tolbukhin

The troops of the southern and south-western fronts, as a result of skilful manoeuvre and forceful offensive, have won a great victory in the Donets Basin over the German invaders. Having broken the enemy's resistance our troops in the course of six days captured, in fighting, the towns of Debaltsevo, Ilovaisk, Lisichansk, Yenakievo, Gorlovka, Chistyakovo, Slavyansk, Artemovsk, Kramatorskaya, Konstantinovka, Makeyevka, Krasnoarmeiskoye, Yasinovataya and the Regional Centre of the Donbas, the town of Stalino. Thus the troops of the south-western fronts have wrested from the Germans and returned to our Motherland the Donets Basin, the most important coal and industrial region of our country.

In the battle for the Donbas the troops of Lieutenant-General Svetayev, Lieutenant-General Kreiser, Lieutenant-General Lelyushenko, Lieutenant-General Zakharov, Major-General Zherybin, Major-General Makochuk, Major-General Belov, Major-General Roseyi, and airmen under the command of Lieutenant-General of Aviation Sudev, Lieutenant-General of Aviation Khryukin, distinguished themselves; and in particular, the 126th Infantry Division (Colonel Kazartsev), 127th Infantry Division (Colonel Krimov), 271st Infantry Division (Colonel Govorov), 346th Infantry Division (Major-General Stankevsky), 266th Infantry Division (Colonel Rebrikov), 279th Infantry Division (Major-General Potapenko), 259th Infantry Division (Colonel Vlassenko), 50th Guards Infantry Division (Colonel Vladichansky), 301st Infantry Division (Colonel Antonov), 230th Infantry Division (Colonel Ukrainsky), 54th Guards Infantry Division (Major-General Danilov), 297th Infantry Division (Colonel Matveyev), 61st ‘ Guards Infantry Division (Colonel Lazanovich), 59th Guards Infantry Division (Major-General Karamishev), 34th Guards Infantry Division (Colonel Brailyan), 40th Guards Infantry Division (Colonel Ponomarev), 320th Infantry Division (Major-General Shivgin), 96th Guards Infantry Division (Colonel Levin), 5th Guards Independent Motorized Infantry Brigade (Colonel Bugayev), 135th Tank Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Beznoschenko), 179th Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment (Major Savchenko),243rd Independent Tank Regiment.(Major Podlesnov).

In commemoration of the victory of the troops which distinguished themselves in the liberation of the Donbas, the following formations and units will take the name of :

"Stalino" – the 50th. Guards Infantry Division, the 301st Infantry Division, the 230th Infantry Division.

"Yenakievo" – the 34th Guards Infantry Division, the 40th Infantry Division, the 320th Infantry Division.

"Ilovaisk" – the 96th Guards Infantry Division.

"Chistyakovo" – the 127th Infantry Division.

"Gorlovka" – the 126th Infantry Division, the 271st Infantry Division.

"Debaltsevo" – the 346th Infantry Division.

"Artemovsk" – the 266th Infantry Division, the 259th Infantry Division.

"Lisichansk" – the 279th Infantry Division.

"Koanstantinovka" – the 135th Tank Brigade, the 179th Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment.

"Makeyevka" – the 54th Guards Infantry Division.

"Slavyansk" – the 61st Guards Infantry Division, the 279th Infantry Division. "Kramatorskaya" – the 59th Guards Infantry Division, the 5th Guards Independent Motorised Infantry Brigade and the 243rd Independent Tank Regiment.

Henceforth these formations and units shall be called:

The 50th Stalino Guards Division, the 301st Stalino Infantry Division, the 230th Stalino Infantry Division; the 34th Yenakievo Guards Infantry Division, the 40th Yenakievo Guards Infantry Division, the 320th Yenakievo Infantry Division; the 96th Ilovaisk Guards Infantry Division; the 127th Chistyakovo Infantry Division; the 126th Gorlovka Infantry Division, the 271st Gorlovka Infantry Division; the 346th Delbatsevo Infantry Division; the 266th Artemovsk Infantry Division, the 259th Artemovsk Infantry Division; the 279th Lisich-ansk Infantry Division; the 135th Konstantin-ovka Tank Brigade, the 179th Konstantinovka Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment; the 54th Makeyev-ka Guards Infantry Division; the 61st Slavyansk Guards Infantry Division, the 297th Slavyansk Infantry Division; the 59th Kramatorskaya Guards Infantry Division, the 5th Kramatorskaya Guards Independent Motorised Infantry Brigade, the 243rd Kramatorskaya Independent Tank Regiment.

As a mark of triumph on the occasion of this great victory in the Donbas, at 20.00 hours to-day, September 8, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, salutes with 20 artillery salvoes from 224 guns our gallant troops who have liberated the Donbas from the German invaders.

For distinguished battle operations, I express my thanks to all the troops led by you who have participated in the liberation of the Donbas.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the Donbas, for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_9_1943_">Order of the Day, September 9, 1943

lssued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Rokossovsky

Troops of the Central Front, continuing their sweeping offensive, forced the River Seym, and on September 6 liberated from the German invader the town of Konotop. To-day, September 9, after two days of fierce fighting, our troops took by storm the town of Bakhmach, a most important railway junction, centre of enemy communications, and decisive enemy defence centre in the Kiev direction.

In the fighting for the towns of Konotop and Bakhmach, troops under the command of Lt. General Chernyahovsky, Lt-General Bondarev, Major-General P.M. Kozlov and airmen under the command of Lt.-General of Aviation Rudenko, distinguished themselves, and especially the 132nd Infantry Division commanded by Major-General Shkrylev, the 143rd Infantry Division commanded by Colonel Lukin, the 280th Infantry Division commanded by Major-General Golosov, the 70th Guards Glukhov Infantry Division commanded by Major-General Gusev, the 75th Guards Infantry Division led by Major-General Gorishchnov, the 221st Air Bomber Division commanded by Colonel Buzylev, the 3rd Guards Light Artillery Brigade commanded by Lt. Colonel Zhigala, the 56th Guards Mortar Regiment commanded by Lt.-Colonel Shapovalov and the 65th Guards Mortar Regiment commanded by Major Pavlov.

In honour of the victory achieved, the formations and units which distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of the towns of Konotop and Bakhmach are to bear the names of Konotop and Bakhmach. The name of Konotop is to be conferred on the 143rd Infantry Division, the 280th Infantry Division, and the 65th Guards Mortar Regiment.

The name of Bakhmach is to be conferred on the 75th Guards Infantry Division, the 132nd Infantry Division, the 221st Air Bomber Division, the 3rd Guards Light Artillery Brigade, the 56th Guards Mortar Regiment. Henceforth these formations and units are to be known as:

The 143rd Konotop Infantry Division; the 280th Konotop Infantry Division; the 65th Guards Konotop Mortar Regiment; the 75th Guards Bakhmach Infantry Division; the 132nd Bakhmach Infantry Division; the 221st Bakhmach Air Bomber Division; the 3rd Guards Bakhmach Light Artillery Brigade; the 56th Guards Bakhmach Mortar Regiment.

The 70th Guards Glukhov Infantry Division, which for the second time has distinguished itself in the fighting against the German invaders, is to be proposed for the award of the Order of the Red Banner.

To-day, September 9, at 20.00 hours Moscow time our capital, Moscow, in the- name of our Motherland will salute with twelve artillery salvoes from 124 guns our glorious troops who have liberated Konotop and Bakhmach.

For distinguished fighting, operations, I express my thanks to all the troops led by you who participated in the battles for Konotop and Bakhmach.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

Order of the Day, September 10, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Malinovsky and Colonel-General Tolbukhin

Our troops of the south-west front, continuing their successful offensive, to-day, September 10, captured the town of Barvenkovo and the" town and most important railway junction of Chaplino.

To-day also our troops of the southern front, by a violent blow, captured the most important junction of the Azov railway lines, Volnovakha, and advancing along the coast of the Azov sea, liberated from the German invaders the large centre of the metal industry of the south, the town and port of Mariupol. This new success was achieved by our troops in the south as a result of a daring manoeuvre of our cavalry and mechanized troops which broke through into the rear of the German troops.

In the fighting for the towns of Mariupol, Barvenkovo, Volnovakha and Chaplino the following troops distinguished themselves:

The Don Cossack cavalrymen under Major-Gerneral Selivanov, tankmen under Lieutenant-General of Tank Forces Pushkin and Lieutenant-General Russyanov, the troops under the command of Lieutenant-General Chuikov, Lieutenant-General Lelyushenko, Lieutenant-General Khomenko, airmen under Lieutenant-General of Aviation Sudets, Lieutenant-General of Aviation Khryuk-in, Major-General of Aviation Tupikov and sailors under the command of Rear-Admiral Gorshkov, who landed forces west of Mariupol.

The following troops distinguished themselves particularly: the 11th Guards Don Cossack Cavalry Division under the command of Colonel Slanov, the 130th Taganrog Infantry Division under Colonel Sychev, the 221st Infantry Division under Colonel Blazhevich, the 3rd . Guards Infantry Division under Major-Gen-eral Tsalikov, the 39th Guards Infantry Division under Colonel Leshchinin, the 9th Guards Fighter Aviation Division under Colonel Dzusov, the 5th.Guards Mechanized Brigade under Colonel Safronov, the 6th Guards Mechanized Brigade under Colonel Artemenko, the 12th Motorized Infantry Brigade under Lieutenant-Colonel Zharov, the 3rd Tank Brigade under Lieutenant-Colonel Devyatko, the 39th Tank Brigade under Lieutenant-Colonel Bespalov, the 31st- Guards Independent Tank Brigade under Major-General of Tank Forces Burdov, the 65th Tank Brigade under Colonel Shevchenko, the 1,890th Independent Self-Propelled Light Artillery Regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Gurin and the 517th Independent Tank Battalion under Captain Nesterov.

To commemorate the victory the formations and units which distinguished themselves in the battles for the liberation of the towns of Volnovakha, Mariupol, Chaplino and Barvenkovo will be awarded titles as follows:

The title "Mariupol Troops" to the 221st Infantry Division, the 9th Guards Fighter Aviation Division.

The title "Volnovakha Troops" to the 11th Guards Don Cavalry Division, the 3rd Guards Infantry Division, the 5th Guards Mechanized Brigade, the 6th Guards Mechanized Brigade, the 12th Motorized Infantry Brigade, the 655th Tank Brigade.

The title "Chaplino Troops" to the 3rd Tank Brigade, the 39th Tank Brigade.

The title "Barvenkovo Troops" to the 39th Guards Infantry Division, the 31st Guards Independent Tank Brigade, the 1,890th Independent Self-Propelled Light Artillery Regiment and the 517th Independent Tank Battalion.

Henceforth these formations and units shall be called:

The 221st Mariupol Infantry Division, the 9th Mariupol Guards Fighter Aviation Division; the 11th Volnovakha Guards Don Cavalry Division, the 3rd Volnovakha Guards Infantry Division, the 5th Volnovakha Guards Mechanized Brigade, the 6th Volnovakha Guards Mechanized Brigade, the 12th Volnovakha Motorized Infantry Brigade, the 65th Volnovakha Tank Brigade; the 3rd Chaplino Infantry Brigade, the 39th Chaplino Tank Brigade; the 39th Barvenkovo Guards Infantry Division, the 31st Barvenkovo Guards Independent Tank' Brigade, the 1,890th Barvenkovo Self-Propelled Light Artillery Regiment, the 517th Barvenkovo Independent Tank Battalion.

The 130th Taganrog Infantry Division, which has distinguished itself for the second time in fighting against the German invaders, is recommended for the award of the order of the Red Banner.

To-day, September 10th, at 20.00 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf, of the Motherland salutes our gallant troops which liberated the towns of Mariupol, Volnovakha, Chaplino and Barvenkovo, with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns.

For distinguished battle operations I express my thanks to all troops commanded by you which participated in the fighting for Mariupol, Volnovakha, Chaplino and Barvenkovo.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

(Signed) Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_15_1943_">Order of the Day, September 15, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Rokossvsky

Troops of the central front continuing their offensive to-day, September 15, after two days of violent battles, captured the large railway junction and town of Nezhin, the most important strong point of the German defence on the road to Kiev.

In the fighting for Nezhin the troops commanded by Lieutenant-General Chernyakhovsky and Major-General P.M. Kozlov, Guards tankmen commanded by Lieutenant-General of tank troops Korchagin and airmen commanded . by Lieutenant-General of Aviation Rudenko distinguished themselves, and especially the 280th Konotop Infantry Division commanded by Major-General Gol-osov, the. 132nd Bakhmach Infantry Division commanded by Major-General Shkryler, the 24th Guards Mechanized Brigade commanded by Colonel Maximov, the 25th Guards Mechanized Brigade commanded by Colonel Artamonov, the 26th Guards Sevsk Mechanized Brigade commanded by Major-General Barinov, the 57th Guards Tank Brigade commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Silov, the 299th Assault Aircraft Division commanded by Colonel Krupskyi, and the 286th Fighter Aircraft Division commanded by Colonel Ivanov.

In honour of the victory achieved the 7th Guards Mechanized Corps, the 24th Guards Mechanized Brigade, the 25th Guards Mechanized Brigade, the 57th Guards Tank Brigade, the 299th Assault Aircraft Division and the 286th Fighter Aircraft Division, which distinguished themselves in the fighting for the town of Nezhin, are to bear the name of "Nezhin."

Henceforth these formations will be named the 7th Guards Nezhin' Mechanized Corps, the 24th Guards Nezhin Mechanized Brigade, the 25th Guards Nezhin Mechanized Brigade, the 57th Guards Nezhin Tank Brigade, the 299th Nezhin Assault Aircraft Division and the 286th Nezhin Fighter Aircraft Division.

The 280th Konotop Infantry Division, the 132nd Bakhmach Infantry Division and the 26th Guards Sevsk Mechanized Brigade, which for the second time distinguished themselves in fighting against the German invaders, are to be proposed for the award of the Order of the Red Banner.

To-day, September 15, at 20.00 hours Moscow time the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland will salute our gallant troops which liberated the town of Nezhin, with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns.

For distinguished battle operations I express my thanks to all troops commanded by you which participated in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Nezhin.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland.

Death to the German invaders!

(Signed) Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

Order of the Day, September 16, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Colonel-General Petrov and Vice-Admiral Vladimirsky

To-day, September 16, our troops of the Northern Caucasus front, in collaboration with the ships and units of the Black Sea Fleet, as the result of a daring operation, by an attack on land and the landing of a force from the sea, after five days of fierce battles in the course of which the 73rd German Infantry Division, the 4th and 101st German Mountain Infantry Division, the 4th Rumanian Mountain Infantry Division and the harbour defence force of German Marines were routed, took by storm the important Black Sea port and town of Novorossiisk.

In the fighting for Novorossiisk troops under Lieutenant-General Leselidze, sailors under Rear-Admiral Kholostyakov and airmen under Lieutenant-General of Aviation Vershinin and Lieutenant-General of Aviation Yermashenko distinguished themselves.

The following troops particularly distinguished themselves: The 318th Infantry Division (commanded by Colonel Vrutsky), the 55th Guards Irkutsk Infantry Division (named after the Supreme Soviet of the Russian S.F.S.R., holder of the Order of Lenin and three times honoured by the award of the Order of the Red Banner, commanded by Major-General Arshintsev), the 83rd Red Banner Independent Marine Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Kozlov), the 5th Guards Tank Brigade (Colonel Shurenkov), the 290th Independent Infantry Regiment of the Troops of the. People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (Lieutenant-Colonel Piskarev), the 393rd Independent Battalion of Marines (Lieutenant-Captain Botylev), the 11th Stormovik Aircraft Division of the Black Sea Fleet Air Arm (Lieutenant-Colonel Gubny), the 88th Guards Fighter Aircraft Regiment (Major Maximenko), the 889th Night Light-Bomber Aircraft Regiment (Major Bocharov), the 2nd Brigade of Torpedo Cutters (Captain of the 2nd rank Protsenko), the 1st Red Banner Squadron of Patrol Cutters (Lieutenant-Captain Glukhov), the 4th Squadron of Patrol Cutters (Lieutenant-Captain Sipyagin), the 81st Howitzer Artillery Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Akhtrychenko), the 69th Guards Artillery Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Petrun), the 1,169th Cannon Artillery Regiment (Colonel Tarasov), the 108th Guards Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment (Major Bagnych), the 195th Mountain Mortar .Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Ivanyan), the 1st Guards Independent Artillery Battalion (Major Matushenko), the 251st Independent Mobile Artillery Battalion (Captain Soluyanov), and the 8th Guards Mortar Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Makaryan).

To commemorate the victory, the following troops which distinguished themselves in the liberation of the town of Novorossiisk; will be awarded the title of "Novorossiisk Troops" the 318th Infantry Division, the 83rd Red Banner Independent Marine Brigade, the 5th Guards Tank Brigade, the 290th Independent Infantry Regiment of the troops of the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs, the 393rd Independent Battalion of Marines, the 11th Stormovic Aircraft Formation, the 88th Guards Fighter Aircraft Regiment, the 889th Night-Light Bomber Aircraft Regiment, the 2nd Brigade of Torpedo Cutters, the 1st Red Banner Squadron of Patrol Cutters, the 4th Squadron of Patrol Cutters, the 81st Howitzer Artillery Regiment, the 69th Guards Artillery Regiment, the 1,16.9th Cannon Artillery Regiment, the 108th Guards Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment, the 195th Mountain Mortar Regiment, the 1st Guards Independent Artillery Battalion, the 251st Independent Mobile Artillery Battalion and the 8th Guards Mortar Regiment.

Henceforth they are named: the 318th Novorossiisk Infantry Division, the 83rd Red Banner Novorossiisk Independent Marine Brigade, the 5th Guards Novorossiisk Tank Brigade, the 290th Novorossiisk Independent Infantry Regiment of the troops of the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs, the 393rd Novorossiisk Independent Battalion of Marines, the 11th Novorossiisk Stormovik Aircraft Formation, the 88th Guards Novorossiisk Fighter Aircraft Regiment, the 889th Night Light-Bomber Aircraft Regiment, the 2nd Novorossiisk Brigade of Torpedo Cutters, the 1st Red Banner Novorossiisk Squadron of Patrol Cutters, the 4th Novorossiisk Squadron of Patrol Cutters, the 81st Novorossiisk Howitzer Artillery Regiment, the 69th Guards Novorossiisk Artillery Regiment, the 1,169th Novorossiisk Cannon Artillery Regiment , the 108th Guards Novorossiisk Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment,' the 195th Novorossiisk Mountain Mortar Regiment, the 1st Guards Novoro-ssisk Independent Artillery Battalion, the 251st Novorossiisk Independent Mobile Artillery Battalion and the 8th Guards Novorossiisk Mortar Regiment.

The 55th Guards Irkutsk Infantry Division (named, after the Supreme Soviet of the R.S. F.S.R., holder of the Order of Lenin and three times awarded the Order of the Red Banner), which has frequently distinguished itself in battle against the enemies of our Motherland, is recommended for the award of the Order of Suvorov, 2nd Grade.

To-day, September 16, at 20.00 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops which liberated the town of Novorossiisk. At the same time, the ships of the Black Sea Fleet will be saluted with 12 salvoes in honour of the ships and units which have liberated the second base of the Black Sea, Novorossiisk, from the German-fascist yoke.

For their excellent military operations, I express my gratitude to. all the troops commanded by you which participated in the battles for the liberation of Novorossiisk.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_16_1943b">Order of the Day, September 16, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Rokossovsky

Our troops of the central front, continuing their offensive, successfully forced the River Desna, and to-day, September 16, captured in fighting the large centre of resistance of the German defences on the line of that river, the town of Novgorod-Sever sky. Thus the defences previously prepared by the Germans on the western bank of the River Desna have been broken as a result of skilful and decisive operations by the troops of the central front.

In fighting for the forcing of the River Desna and the liberation of the town of Novgorod-Seversky, troops under Lieutenant-General Romanenko, Lieutenant-General Batov and Lieutenant-General Pukhov distinguished themselves.

In the fighting for Novgorod-Seversky, the following troops particularly distinguished themselves: The 102nd Far East Infantry Division (Major-General Andreyev), the 140th Siberian Infantry Division (Major-General Kise-lev), the 162nd Infantry Division (Major-General Panifolov), the 478th Mortar Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Ostapenko), the 120th Antitank Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Dmitryev), the 94th Guards Mortar Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Kovalenko), the 235th A.A. Artillery Regiment (Major Popov), the 14th Engineering Sapper Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Gaber), and the 321st : Engineering Battalion (Major Popov). To commemorate the victory these formations and units will be awarded the title of Novgorod-Seversky troops.

Henceforth they are named: The 102nd Novgorod-Seversky Far Eastern Infantry Division, the 140th Novgorod-Seversky Siberian Infantry Division, the 162nd Novgorod-Seversky Infantry Division, the 478th Novgorod-Seversky Mortar Regiment, the 120th Novgorod-Seversky Antitank Regiment, the 94th Guards Novgorod-Seversky Mortar Regiment, the 235th Novgorod-Seversky Artillery Regiment, the 14th Novgorod-Seversky Engineering Sapper Brigade, and the 321st Novgorod-Seversky Engineering Battalion.

In addition, in the battles for the forcing of the river Desna, there distinguished themselves the 69th Red Banner Sevsk Infantry Division (Major-General Kazakov), the 37th Guards Infantry Division (Colonel Usnakov), the 37th Infantry Division (Major-General Yelshin), the 73rd Infantry Division (Major-General Smirnov), the 137th Infantry Division (Major-General Antonov), the 8th Infantry Division (Colonel Gus), the 74th Infantry Division (Major-General Kazayan), the 6th Independent Artillery Regiment (Major Shiskin), the 1168th Heavy Artillery Independent Regiment (Major Agarkov), the 6th Independent Engineering Sapper Brigade (Colonel Ostapov), the 7th Assault Engineering Sapper Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Bagach), the 9th Independent Pontoon-Bridge-Building Battalion (Lieutenant-Colonel Shklyar), the 49th Independent Pontoon-Bridge-Building Battalion (Major Pavlov), and the 60th Independent Pontoon Bridge-Building Battalion (Major Federov).

For the successful forcing of the River Desna, the commanders of the formations and units which distinguished themselves are recommended for the award of the Order of Suvarov.

To-day, September 16, at 22.00, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, salutes with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops which successfully forced the River Desna and liberated the town of Novgorod-Seversky.

For their excellent military operations, I express my gratitude to all the troops under your command which took part in the fighting to force the River Desna and in the liberation of the town of Novgorod-Seversky.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_17_1943_">Order of the Day, September 17, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Popov

Continuing to develop the offensive, our troops of the Bryansk front successfully forced the Desna River, and to-day, September 17, with simultaneous blows from north and east, crushed enemy resistance and captured the most important German centres of resistance on this river, the big industrial towns of Bryansk and Bez-hitsa.

In the fighting for the towns of Bryansk and Bezhitsa, the 339th, 110th, 707th, 95th, 299th and 134th German Infantry Divisions were routed. Thus, as the result of a skilfully executed outflanking manoeuvre, effected in difficult wooded and swampy terrain, the troops of the Bryansk front forced a second breach in the German defences along the Desna River.

In the battles during the forcing of the River Desna and for the possession of the towns of Bryansk and Bezhitsa, the troops under Lieutenant-General Fedyuninsky and airmen under Lieutenant-General of Aviation Naumenko, distinguished themselvfes. In addition, the 197th Infantry Division under Lieutenant-Colonel bashev, the 323rd Infantry Division under Colonel Ukrainets, the 4th Infantry Division under Colonel Vorobyev, the 273rd Infantry Division under Colonel Valyugin, the 3rd Fighter Aircraft Guards Division under Colonel Uk-hov, the 313th Night Close Range Bomber Aircraft Division under Colonel Voyevodin, the 277th Engineers Battalion under Colonel Mamon-ov, the 140th Engineer-Sapper Battalion under Major Lisin, the 310th Guards Mortar Regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Kovchur, the 74th Guards Mortar Regiment under Major Dzaridze particularly distinguished themselves.

To honour the victory achieved the following names shall be conferred on the formations and units which distinguished themselves in the battle for the forcing of the Desna River and for the liberation of the towns of Bryansk and Bezhitsa: the name of Bryansk on the 197th Infantry Division, the 323rd Infantry Division, the 3rd Fighter Aircraft Guards Division, the 277th Engineers Battalion, the 140th Engineer-Sapper Battalion; the name of Bezhitsa on the 4th Infantry Division, the 273rd Infantry Division, 313th Night Close Range Bomber Aircraft Division, the 310th Guards Mortar Regiment, the 74th Guards Mortar Regiment. Henceforth these formations and units will be named: the 197th Bryansk Infantry Division, the 323rd Bryansk Infantry Guards Division, the 277th Bryansk Engineers Battalion, the 140th Bryansk Engineer-Sapper Battalion, the 4th Bezhitsa Infantry Division, the 273rd Bezhitsa Infantry Division, the 313th Bezhitsa Night Close Range Bomber Aircraft Division, the 310th Bezhitsa Guards Mortar Regiment,the 74th Bezhitsa Guards Mortar Regiment.

For their successful forcing of the Desna River, the Army Generals, and also commanders of formations and units which distinguished themselves, shall be recommended for the award of the Order of Suvorov.

To-day, September 17, at 21.30, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, will salute with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops which successfully forced the Desna River and liberated the towns of Bryansk and Bezhitsa.

For excellent military operations I express my thanks to all the troops under your command which participated in the fighting during the forcing of the Desna River and the liberation of the towns of Bryansk and Bezhitsa.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_18_1943_">Order of the Day, September 18, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin

The Second Guards Cavalry Corps under Major-General Kryukov, in, the battle for the forcing of the River Desna from September 11 to 15, 1943, displayed examples of military skill, staunchness and ability to manoeuvre. Units of the corps, breaking through to the rear of the enemy, forced the River Desna, captured a place-d'armes on the western bank of the river and held it for four days, until the arrival of our infantry, repulsing many counterattacks launched by large German forces supported by tanks and aircraft.

For daring and resolute operations in forcing the River Desna, the 2nd Guards Cavalry Corps is recommended for the award of the Order of the Red Banner.

The 20th Cavalry Division, which holds the Red Banner and the Order of Lenin, and which forms part of this Cavalry Corps, will be reorganized as the 17th Guards Cavalry Division, holding the Red Banner and the Order of Lenin. The commander of the Division is Major-General Kursakov. The new Guards Division will be presented with a Guards Banner.

For the successful forcing of the River Desna, the commander of the corps, as well as the commanders of formations and units which distinguished themselves, will be recommended for the award of the Order of Suvarov.

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_19_1943_">Order of the Day, September 19, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Yeremenko and Army General Sokolovsky

Our troops on the Kalinin front, as a result of four days' fierce fighting, broke through strongly fortified enemy defence lines, shattered his strongpoints Ribshevo, Verdino, Lomono-sovo, Kulagino and Pankratovo, which he had held over a long period of time, and took by storm the vital strongpoint of the German defences on the way to Smolensk, the town of Dukhovshchina.

Our troops of the Western front, after stubborn battles, broke the enemy's resistance and captured the important strongpoint of the German defences at the approaches to Smolensk, the town and railway station of Yartsevo. Thus the strongly fortified German defence line which has been in existence over a long period of time and which closed the so-called Smolensk gates, has been broken.

In fighting for the liberation of the towns of Dukhovshchina and Yartsevo the troops commanded by Lieutenant-General Berzarin, Lieutenant-General Gluzdovsky and Lieutenant-General Golubev, tankmen under Colonel Dromov and airmen under Lieutenant-General of Aviation Gromov and Major-General of Aviation Popivin, distinguished themselves. The following divisions, brigades and battalions, to mark the victories achieved, will henceforth bear the names of the towns they liberated:

The 91st Guards Infantry Division (Major-General Ozimin), the 17th Guards Infantry Division (Major-General Kvashnin), the 184th-Infantry Division (Colonel Tsukharev), the 46th Mechanized Brigade (Colonel Manzhurin), the 47th Mechanized Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Mikhailov), the 21st Artillery Division (Major-General of Artillery Samborsky), the 4th Antitank Artillery Brigade (Colonel Savlevich), the 4th Assault Engineer Sappers Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Matuzas), the 306th Infantry Division (Colonel Kucheryavenko), the 134th Infantry Division (Major-General Dobrovolsky), the 234th Infantry Division (Colonel Turyev), the 178th Infantry Division (Major-General Kudryavtsev), the 185th Infantry Division (Major-General Andreushchenko), the 82nd Red Banner Infantry Division (Major-General Pissarev), the 274th Infantry Division (Colonel Shulga), the 359th Infantry Division (Colonel Kosol-apov), the 233rd Assault Air Division (Lieutenant-Colonel Solovik), the 123rd Assault Air Division (Lieutenant-Colonel Solovik), the 123rd Guards Bomber Aircraft Regiment (Major Dymchenko), the 2nd Guards Motor Cycle Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Polubochko), the 529th Tank Artillery Regiment (Lieutenant-Col-onel Vyburov), the 72nd Engineering Battalion (Major Mosenzon), the 90th Independent Pontoon and Bridge-Building Battalion (Major Semonov).

To commemorate the victory, the following titles shall be conferred on the formations and units which particularly distinguished themselves in the battles for breaking through the strongly fortified German defence zone and in the liberation of the towns of Dukhovsh-china and Yartsevo:

The name of Dukhovshchina will be conferred on the 91st Guards Infantry Division, the 17th Guards Infantry Division, the 184th Infantry Division, the 46th Mechanized Brigade, the 47th Mechanized Brigade, the 21st Artillery Division, the 4th Anti-tank Artillery Brigade and the 4th Assault Engineering Sapper Brigade.

The name of Yartsevo shall be conferred on: the 82nd Red Banner Infantry Division, the 274th Infantry Division, the 359th Infantry Division, the 529th Anti-tank Artillery Regiment, the 90th Independent Pontoon and Bridge-Building Battalion, the 72nd Engineering Battalion, the 2nd Guards Motor Cycle Regiment, the 233rd Assault Aircraft Division and the 123rd Guards Bomber Aircraft Regiment.

The name of Ribshevo shall be conferred on: the 306th Infantry Division, the name of Verdino on the 134th Infantry Division, the name of Lomonosovo on the 24th Infantry Division, the name of Kulagino on the 178th Infantry Division, and the name of Pankrotovo on the 185th Infantry Division.

Henceforth they are named: the 91st Guards Dukhovshchina Infantry Division,the 17th Guards Dukhovshchina Infantry Division, the 184th Dukhovshchina Infantry Division, the 46th Dukhovshchina Mechanized Brigade, the 21st Dukhovshchina Artillery Division, the 4th Dukhovshchina Anti-tank Artillery Brigade, the 4th Dukhovshchina Assault Engineering Sapper Brigade; the 82nd Red Banner Yartsevo Infantry Division, the 274th Yartsevo Infantry Division, the 359th Yartsevo Infantry Division, the 529th Yartsevo Anti-tank Artillery Regiment, the 90th Yartsevo Independent Pontoon and Bridge-Building Battali on, the 72nd Yartsevo Engineering Battalion, the 2nd Guards Yartsevo Motor Cycle Regiment, the 233rd Yartsevo Assault Aircraft Division, the 123rd Guards Yartsevo Bomber Aircraft Regiment; the 306th Ribshevo Infantry Division; the 134th Verdino Infantry Division, the 24th Lomonosovo Infantry Division; the 178th Kulagino Infantry Division and the 185th Pankratovo Infantry Division.

To-day, September 19, at 21.00 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, oil behalf of the Motherland, will salute with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops which broke through the German defences on the way to Smolensk and captured the towns of Dukhovshchina and Yartsevo.

For excellent military operations, I express my thanks to all troops commanded by you, which took- part in the battles for Dukhovshchina and Yartsevo.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland.

Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_19_1943b">Order of the Day, September 19, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin

As a result of a violent offensive in the Ukraine, our troops, on September 18-19, 1943, liberated from the German invaders the towns of Priluki, Romny, Piryatin, Lubny, Romodan, Mirgorod, Krasnograd and Pavlograd.

In the battles for the liberation of these towns the following divisions, corps and regiments distinguished themselves and to mark the victories achieved will henceforth bear the names of the towns they liberated:

The 167th Sumy Infantry Division, the 163rd Infantry Division, the 337th Infantry Division, the 237th Infantry Division, the 309th Infantry Division, the 373rd Infantry Division, the 93rd Infantry Division, the 218th Infantry Division, the 72nd Guards Infantry Division, the 81st Guards Infantry Division, the 58th Guards Infantry Division, the 1st Mechanised Corps, the 2nd Tank Corps, the 161st Guards Artillery Regiment, the 115th Guards Anti-tank Artillery Regiment, the 292nd Air Fighter Division, the 60th Guards Infantry Division, the 172nd Infantry Division and the 42nd Guards Infantry Division.

To commemorate the successes achieved the following names shall be conferred on the above formations and units: the name of Priluki on the ,42nd Guards Infantry Division, the name of Romny on the 163rd Infantry Division, the name of Lubny on the 337th Infantry Division, the name of Piryatin on the 309th Infantry Division and the 237th Infantry Division, the name of Mirgorod on the 373rd Infantry Division, and the 93rd Infantry Division, the name of Romodan on the 218th Infantry Division, the name of Krasnograd on the 72nd Guards Infantry Division, the 58th Guards Infantry Division, the 1st Mechanized Corps, the 161st Guards Artillery Regiment, the 115th Guards Anti-tank Artillery Regiment and the 292nd Air Fighter Division, the name of Pavlograd on the 60th Guards Infantry Division, and the 172nd Infantry Division.

Henceforth they are named: the 42nd Guards Priluki Division, the 163rd Romny Infantry Division, the 337th Lubny Infantry Division, the 309th Piryatin Infantry Division, the 237th Piryatin Infantry Division, the 373rd Mirgorod Infantry Division, the 93rd Mirgorod Infantry Division, the 218th Romodan Infantry Division, the 72nd Guards Krasnograd Infantry Division, the 81st Guards Krasnograd Infantry Division, the 58th Guards Krasnograd Infantry Division, the 1st Krasnograd Mechanized Corps, the 161st Guards Krasnograd Artillery Regiment, the 115th Guards Krasnograd Anti-tank Artillery Regiment, the 292nd Krasnograd Air Fighter Division, the 60th Guards Pavlograd Infantry Division and the 172nd Pavlograd Infantry Division.

The 167th Infantry Division, which for the second time has distinguished itself in battle against the German invaders, is to be recommended for the award of the Red Banner.

The Second Tank Corps will be reorganized as the 8th Guards Tank Corps. The Commander of the Corps is Lieutenant-General of Tank Forces A. Popov. The new Guards Corps will be presented with the Guards Banner.

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_19_1943c">Order of the Day, September 19, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin

Troops under the command of Lieutenant-General Kolpakchi on September 18, 1943, south of Bryansk, forced the River Desna along a wide front and, capturing the town of Trubch-evsk, are successfully developing their offensive to the west.

For their gallant and determined operations in forcing the River Desna, the commanders of the formations and units which distinguished themselves are recommended for the award of the Order of Suvorov.

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

Order of the Day, September 21, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Rokossovsky

Our troops of the central front, continuirig their vigorous offensive,, successfully forced the River Desna, and with a skilful outflanking manoeuvre, after three days' fighting, to-day, September 21, captured by storm the regional centre of the Ukraine, the town of Chernigov, a most important strongpoint of the German defences on the lower reaches of the River Desna.

Thus, the German defences prepared on the western banks of the River Desna have been overcome by our troops along the whole course of the river, and the plan of the Germans to stem the advance of our troops on _ the line of the River Desna must be considered to have failed.

In the battles for the forcing of the River Desna and for the capture of the town of Chernigov, the troops under Lieutenant-General Pukhov, Major-Gerneral Nechayev, Lieutenant-General Bondarev and airmen under Lieutenant-General of Aviation Rudenko, distinguished themselves. The 148th Infantry Division (Major-General Mischenko), the 181st Stalingrad Infantry Division bearing the Order of Lenin (Major-General Sarayev), the 211th Infantry Division (Major-General Makhnevsky), the 77th Guards Infantry Divsion (Major-General Oskal-epov), the 76th Guards Infantry Division (Major-General Kirsanov), the 16th Guards Cavalry Division (Colonel Belov), the 129th Tank Brigade (Colonel Vatrushin), the 874th Anti-tank Artillery Regiment (Colonel Federov), the 476th Mortar Regiment (Major Gladky), the 1,287th A.A. Artillery Regiment (Colonel Ostroglazov), and the 2nd Guards Stormovik Aircraft Division (Colonel Komarov) particularly distinguished themselves.

To commemorate the victory achieved, the formations and units which distinguished themselves in the battles for the forcing of the River Desna and the liberation of the town of Chernigov, namely, the 148th Infantry Division, the 211th Infantry Division, the 77th Guards Infantry Division, the 76th Guards Infantry Division, the 16th Guards Cavalry Division, the 129th Tank Brigade, the 874th Anti-tank Artillery Regiment, the 476th Mortar Regiment, the 1,287th A.A. Artillery Regiment and the 2nd Guards Stormovil Aircraft Division are to bear the name of Chernigov.

Henceforth these formations and units are named the 148th Chernigov Infantry Division, the 211th Chernigov Infantry Division, the 77th Guards Chernigov Infantry Division, the 76th Guards Chernigov Infantry Division, the 16th Guards Chernigov Cavalry Division, the 129th Chernigov Tank Brigade, the 874th Chernigov Anti-tank Artillery Regiment, the 476th Chernigov Mortar Regiment, the 1,287th Chernigov A.A. Artillery Regiment, the 2nd Guards Chernigov Stormovik Aircraft Division.

The 181st Stalingrad Infantry Division, bearing the Order of Lenin, which for the second time has distinguished itself in battle against the German invaders, will be recommended for the award of the Order of the Red Banner.

For the successful forcing of the River Desna, the commanders of the formations and units which distinguished themselves will be recommended for the award of the Order of Suvorov.

To-day, September 21, at 21.00, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland will salute with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops which successfully forced the River Desna and liberated the town of Chernigov.

For excellent military operations I express my thanks to all troops under your command which took part in the fighting for the forcing of the River Desna and the liberation of the town of Chernigov.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_22_1943_">Order of the Day, September 22, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin

Troops of the Kalinin front, after two days' fighting, broke the resistance of the enemy, and on September 21 took by storm one of the strongest German defence centres, the town of Demidov.

In the fighting for the liberation of the town of Demidov, the troops of Lieutenant-General Golubev distinguished themselves. Among those which especially distinguished themselves were: the 262nd Infantry Division (commanded by Major-General Usachev), the 270th Infantry Division (Colonel Belyayev), the 114th Infantry Brigade (Colonel Yegosin), the 105th Tank Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Pavlov), the 43rd Red Banner Howitzer Artillery Regiment (Colonel Dydyshko), the 118th Mortar Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Melnikov) and the 273rd Engineer Battalion (Major Alexeyev).

In commemoration of the successes achieved the enumerated formations and units will receive the title of "Demidov," and are henceforth to be known as the 262nd Demidov Infantry Division, the 270th Demidov Infantry Division the 114th Demidov Infantry Brigade, the 105th Demidov Tank Regiment, the 43rd Red Banner Demidov Howitzer Artillery Regiment, the 118th Demidov Mortar Regiment, and the 273rd Demidov Engineer Battalion.

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_23_1943_">Order of the Day, September 23, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Koniev

Troops of the Steppe front, successfully developing their offensive, forced the River Vorskla, and after three days' fierce fighting, to-day, September 23, captured the regional centre of the Ukraine, the town of Poltava, a powerful German defence centre in the Ukraine to the east of the Dnieper.

In the fighting for the liberation of the town of Poltava, troops commanded by Lieutenant-General Zhadov, Lieutenant-General Mana-garov and airmen commanded by Lieutenant-General of Aviation Goryunov, distinguished themselves, especially the 9th Guards Airborne Division (Colonel Sazonov), the 13th Guards Red Banner Infantry Division, bearing the Order of Lenin (Major-General Baklanov), the 66th Guards Infantry Division (Major-General Yaksh-in), the 95th Guards Infantry Division (Major-General Nikichenko), the 97th Guards Infantry Division (Colonel Antsiferov), the 84th Kharkov Infantry Division (Major-General Bunyashin), the 42nd Light Artillery Brigade (Colonel Skorodumov), the 301st Anti-tank Artillery Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Vlassenko), the 57th Tank Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Federov), the 431st Engineering Battalion (Lieutenant-Colonel Boltusevich), the 294th Fighter Aviation Division (Lieutenant-Colonel Taranenko) and the 266th Stormovik Aviation Division (Colonel Rodyakin).

In commemoration of the victory achieved, the formations and units who distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Poltava are to bear the name of Poltava. Henceforth the above mentioned formations and units are named: The 9th Guards Poltava Airborne Division, the 13th Guards Red Banner Poltava Infantry Division, bearing the Order of Lenin, the 66th Guards Poltava Infantry Division, the 95th Guards Poltava Infantry Division, the 97th Guards Poltava Infantry Division, the 42nd Poltava Light Artillery Brigade,’the 301st Poltava Anti-tank Artillery Regiment, the 57th Poltava Tank Regiment, the 431st Poltava Engineering Battalion, the 294th Poltava Fighter Aviation Division and the 266th Poltava Stormovik Aviation Division.

The 84th Kharkov Infantry Division, which has for the second time distinguished itself in battle against the German invaders, is to be recommended for the award of the Order of the Red Banner.

To-day, September 23, at 21.00 hours the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, will salute with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops which liberated the town of Poltava.

For excellent military operations, I express my thanks to all troops commanded by you who participated in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Poltava.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland.

Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_23_1943b">Order of the Day, September 23, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Popov

To-day, September 23, troops of the Bryansk front, continuing their vigorous offensive, took by storm the vital railway junction and strong German centre of resistance in the Gomel direction, the town of Unecha.

In the fighting for the town, troops under Lieutenant-General Fedyunisky and airmen under Lieutenant-General of Aviation Naumenko distinguished themselves. Particular distinction was won by the 197th Bryansk Infantry Division (Colonel Danilovsky), the 217th Infantry Division (Colonel Massonov), the 117th Tank Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Voronkov) and the 30th Motorised Infantry Brigade (Colonel Smirnov).

To commemorate the victory, the name of Unecha shall be conferred on the formations which distinguished themselves in the battle for the liberation of the town of Unecha. Henceforth these formations shall be known as: The 217th Unecha Infantry Division, the 117th Unecha Tank Brigade and the 30th Unecha Motorised Infantry Brigade. The 197th Bryansk Infantry Division, which has distinguished itself for the second time in battle against the German invaders, is recommended for the award of the Order of the Red Banner.

To-day, September 23, at 22.00 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, salutes with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops which liberated the town of Unecha.

For their excellent military operations, I express my gratitude to all troops commanded by you which participated in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Unecha.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

J.V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_23_1943c">Order of the Day, September 23, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin

In the battle for the liberation from the German-fascist invaders of the towns of Novo-Moskovsk, Sinelnikovo, Lozovaya Pavlograd, examples of military skill and the ability to manoeuvre were displayed by the 195th Infantry Division (Colonel Suchkov), the 333rd Infantry Division (Major-General Golosko), the 25th Guards Red Banner Infantry Division (Colonel Milyutin), the 35th Guards Red Banner Infantry Division (Major-General Kulagin), the 38th Guards Infantry Division (Colonel Shcherbakov), the 295th Air Fighter Division (Colonel Seliverstov), the 244th Air Bomber Division (Major-General Klevtsov), the 262nd Night Bomber Aircraft Division (Colonel Belitsky), the 305th Stormovik Aircraft Division (Colonel Mesevich), the 288th Fighter Aircraft Division (Colonel Smirnov), and the 269th Independent Sapper Battalion (Captain Shevchuk).

To commemorate these successes, these formations and units shall henceforth be named: The 195th Novo-Moskovsk Infantry Division, the 295th Novo-Moskovsk Air Fighter Division; the 333rd Sinelnikovo Infantry Division, the 25th Guards Red Banner Sinelnikovo Infantry Division; the 35th Guards Red Banner Lozovaya Infantry Division, the 38th Guards Lozovaya Infantry Division, the 244th Lozovaya Air Bomber Division, the 262nd Lozovaya Night Bomber Air Division; the 305th Pavlograd Stormovik Aircraft Division, the 288th Pavlograd Fighter Aircraft Division and the 269th Pavlograd Independent Sapper Battalion.

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union

<"Order_of_the_Day_September_25_1943_">Order of the Day, September 25, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Sokolovsky

Our troops of the western front continuing their successful, offensive, forced the River Dnieper, and to-day, September 25, after violent engagements, took by storm the large Regional centre, the town of Smolensk, the most important strategic centre of German defences in the western direction

To-day also our troops of the western front, after, two days' fierce battles, broke enemy resistance and captured the operationally important junction of communications and powerful strong point of German defence in the Mogilev direction – the town of Roslavl.

In the fighting to liberate the towns of Smolensk and Roslavl the troops under Lieutenant-General Gluzdovsky, Lieutenant-General Krylov, Lieutenant-General Polenov, Colonel-General Gordov, Lieutenant-General Sukhomlin, Lieutenant-General Zhuravlev, Lieutenant-General Popov, Lieutenant-General Gryshin, airmen under Lieutenant-General of Aviation Gromov and Marshal of Aviation Golovanov distinguished themselves.

The 331st Red Banner (Colonel Berestov), 215th Infantry Division (Major-General Kovlev), 133rd Infantry Division (Colonel Kasishvily), 222nd Infantry Division (Major-General Gryz-lov), 312th Infantry Division (Lieutenant-Colonel Moiseyevsky) , 199th Infantry Division (Colonel Kononenko), 56th Guards Infantry Division (Colonel Kolabutin), 42nd Infantry Division (Major-General Multan), 153rd Infantry Division (Colonel Krasnov), 32nd Cavalry Division, 4th Guards Artillery Division (Major-General of Artillery Kozhukov), 2nd Assault Aviation Corps (Major-General of Aviation Step-ichev), 3rd Guards Bomber Aviation Division (Colonel Andreyev), 303rd Aviation Fighter Division (Major-General of Aviation Zakharov), 309th Fighter Aviation Division, 367th Independent Artillery Battalion (Major Savenkov), 392nd Krasnoyarsk Corps Artillery Regiment (Colonel Sergeyev), 644th Artillery Regiment (Colonel . Krivoshapov), 873rd Anti-tank Artillery Regiment, 549th Mortar Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Sotskov), 317th Guards Mortar Regiment, 201st Independent Guards Mortar Division (Major Bagareyev),35th Independent Guards Mortar Division (Major Bogorodsky), 49th A.A. Artillery Division (Colonel Kaminsky), 341st A.A. Artillery Regiment, the 1,478th A.A. Artillery Regiment (Colonel Semyonov),42nd Guards Tank Brigade (Colonel Kotov), 153rd Tank Brigade (Colonel Krutiy), 4th Guards Tank Brigade (Colonel Savchenko), 1st Young Communist Assault Engineering Brigade (Colonel Petrov), 1st Guards Anti-tank Artillery Brigade (Colonel Basov), 247th Infantry Division (Major-general Mukhin), 139th Infantry Division (Colonel Kiril-lov), 326th Infantry Division (Colonel Gusev), 49th Infantry Division (Major-General Chizhov), 277th Infantry Division (Major-General Glady-shev), 344th Infantry Division (Colonel Strak-hov), 231st Assault Aviation Division (Coloneln Chizhikov), 564th Artillery Regiment (Colonel Gusev), 447th Red Banner Artillery Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Chvykov), 542nd Mortar Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Radchenko), 992nd Anti-tank Artillery Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Rupkov), 345th Engineering Battalion (Major Gusev), 303rd Engineering Battalion (Captain. Petukhov), 1,268th A.A. Artillery Regiment (Major Sazanov), 54th Guards Mortar Regiment (Major Lavrinovich), 2nd Independent Guards Mortar Division (Major Yeremin), 306th Long-Distance Aviation Division (Major-General of Aviation Dryanin), 2nd Guards Long-Distance Aviation Regiment (Colonel Balashov),3rd Guards Long-Distance Aviation Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Glazkov), 14th Guards Long-Distance Aviation Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Zenkov), 455th Long-Distance Aviation Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Chebetyev), 13th Guards Long-Distance Aviation Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Dmitriev), 17th Guards Long-Distance Aviation Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Matrosov), and 19th Guards Long-Distance Aviation Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Shaposhnikov) particularly distinguished themselves.

To commemorate the victory achieved, the formations and units which distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of the towns of Smolensk and Roslavl are to bear the names of Smolensk and Roslavl.

Henceforth these formations and units will be named: The 331st Red Banner Smolensk Infantry Division, the 215th Smolensk Infantry Division, the 133rd Smolensk Infantry Division, the 222nd Smolensk Infantry Division, the 312th Smolensk Infantry Division, the 199th Smolensk Infantry Division, the 56th Guards Smolensk Infantry Division, the 153rd Smolensk Infantry Division, the 32nd Smolensk Cavalry division, the 4th Guards Smolensk Artillery .Division, the 2nd Smolensk Assault Aviation Corps, the 3rd Guards Smolensk Bomber Aviation Division, the 303rd Smolensk Fighter Aviation Division, 309th Smolensk Fighter Aviation Division, the 367th Smolensk Independent Artillery Battalion, 392nd Krasnoyarsk Smolensk Corps Artillery Regiment, 644th Smolensk Artillery Regiment, 873rd Smolensk Anti-tank Artillery Regiment, 549th Smolensk Mortar Regiment, 317th Guards Smolensk Mortar Regiment, 201st Smolensk Independent Guards Mortar Division, 35th Smolensk Independent Guards Mortar Division, 49th Smolensk A.A. Artillery Division, 341st Smolensk A.A. Artillery Regiment, 1,478th Smolensk A.A. Artillery Regiment 42nd Guards- Smolensk Tank Brigade, 153rd Smolensk Tank Brigade,4th Guards Smolensk Tank Brigade, 1st Guards Smolensk Anti-tank Artillery Brigade, 306th Smolensk Long-Distance Aviation Division, 2nd Guards Smolensk Long-Distance Aviation Regiment, 3rd Guards Smolensk Long-Distance Aviation Regiment, 14th Guards Smolensk Long-Distance Aviation Regiment, 455th Smolensk Long-Distance Aviation Regiment; 247th Roslavl Infantry Division, 139th Roslavl Infantry Division, 326th Roslavl Infantry Division, 49th Roslavl Infantry Division, 277th Roslavl Infantry Division, 344th Roslavl Infantry Division, 231st Roslavl Assault Aviation Division, 564th Roslavl Artillery Regiment, 447th Red Banner Roslavl Artillery Regiment, 306th Roslavl Engineering Battalion, 1,268th Roslavl A.A Artillery Regiment, 54th Guards Roslavl Mortar Regiment, 2nd Roslavl Independent Guards Mortar Division, 13th Guards Roslavl Long-Distance Aviation Regiment, 17th Guards Roslavl Long-Distance Aviation Regiment, 19th Guards Roslavl Long-Distance Aviation Regiment, 542nd Roslavl Mortar Regiment, 992nd Roslavl Anti-tank Artillery Regiment, 345th Roslavl Engineering Battalion, 303rd Roslavl Engineering Battalion, the First Smolensk Young Communist Engineering Assault Brigade.

To-day, September 25, at 21.00 hours Moscow time, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute with 20 artillery salvoes from 224 guns our gallant troops which liberated the towns of Smolensk and Roslavl.

For excellent military operations I express my thanks to all troops commanded by you which took part in the fighting for Smolensk and Roslavl.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland.

Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union