Order of the Day, February 18, 1944

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Koniev Troops of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, as a result of fierce engagements which lasted incessantly for 14 days, on February 17, completed their operation for the liquidation of the ten divisions and one brigade of the 8th German Army encircled in the area of Korsun-Shevchenkovsky. In the course of this operation the Germans left on the battlefield 52,000 killed; 11,000 German officers and men surrendered. The entire German equipment and war material was captured by our troops. In the fighting distinction was won by troops commanded by Lieut.-General Trofimenko, Lieut.-General Smirnov and Lieut.-General Koros-eyev; cavalrymen commanded by Lieut.-General Selivanov; tankmen under Col.-General of Tank Troops Rotmistrov, Maj.-General of Tank Troops. Kirichenko and Maj.-General of Tank Troops Poloskov; and airmen under Lieut.-General of Aviation Goryunov.

To commemorate this victory, the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting will be recommended to bear the name of Korsun and to be awarded orders.

To-day, February 18, at 1.00 (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 of the 2nd Ukrainian Front which accomplished the liquidation of the German troops. For excellent military operations I express my gratitude to all troops of the 2nd Ukrainian Front which took part in the fighting at Korsun, and also personally to Army- General Koniev who directed the operation for the liquidation of the encircled German troops. Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fighting for the freedom and independence of our Motherland! J. V. Stalin

Marshal of the Soviet Union

Supreme Commander-in-Chief