Order of the Day, March 20, 1944

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

Troops of the First Ukrainian Front today, March 20, captured by storm and an outflanking manoeuvre the regional and large industrial centre of the Ukraine, the town of Vinnitsa, which had been converted by the Germans into a powerful strongpoint of their defences on the Southern Bug.

In the fighting for the capture of Vinnitsa distinction was won by troops commanded by Col.-Gen. Moskalenko, Lieut.-Gen. Sheverdin and Maj.-Gen. Kislitsyn, artillerymen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Likhachev, tankmen commanded by Col. Belyayev and airmen commanded by Col.-Gen. of Aviation Krasovsky and Maj.- Gen. of Aviation Kamanin.

To commemorate the victory the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of Vinnitsa will be recommended for the conferment of the name of Vinnitsa and for award of orders. Today, March 20, at 20.00 hours (Moscow time), the capital of the Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute with 20 artillery salvoes from 224 guns the gallant troops of the First Ukrainian Front which captured the town of Vinnitsa.

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