Order of the Day, March 22, 1944

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Marshal of the Soviet Union Koniev

Troops of the Second Ukrainian Front, continuing their offensive, today, March 22, after two days stubborn fighting, captured the town of Pervomaisk, an important railway junction and. powerful strongpoint in the German defences in the middle reaches of the Southern Bug. In the fighting for the capture of the town of Pervomaisk, distinction was won by troops commanded by Lieut.-Gen. Zhadov, Col.-Gen. Shumilov, Lieut.-Gen. Rodimtsev, Maj.-Gen. Lebedenko, Maj.-Gen. Akimenko, Maj.-Gen. Morozoy, Maj.-Gen. Baklanov and Maj.-Gen. Lilenkov, artillerymen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Poluektov, and tankmen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Tank Troops Katkov.

To commemorate the victory, the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Pervomaisk will be recommended for conferment of the name of Pervomaisk and award of orders.

Today, March 22, at 21.00 hours (Moscow time), the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute with 12- artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops of the Second Ukrainian Front which captured the town of Pervomaisk.

For excellent military operations I express my thanks to all the troops under your command which took part in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Pervomaisk. Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the struggle for the freedom and independence of our Motherland! Death to the German invaders!

J. Stalin

Marshal of the Soviet Union

Supreme Commander-in-Chief