Order of the Day, March 19, 1944

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

Today, March 19, troops of the First Ukrainian Front, as the result of an outflanking manoeuvre and frontal attack, captured the town of Kremenets, a powerful natural fortress on the crest of the Kremenets Hills, strengthened by the Germans with a well-developed network of artificial fortifications.

In the fighting for the capture of the town of Kremenets, distinction was won by troops commanded by Lieut.- Gen. Pukhov and Lieut.-Gen. Kiryukhin; artillerymen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Kubeyev and Col. Sussky; tankmen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Tank Troops Korolev; and airmen commanded by Col.-Gen. of Aviation Krasovsky, Maj.-Gen. of Aviation Galunov and Col. Lozhechnikov.

To commemorate the victory the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of Kremenets will be recommended to bear the name of Kremenets and to be awarded orders. Today, March 19, 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 First Ukrainian Front which captured Kremenets.

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 Kremenets. 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