Order of the Day, April 13, 1944

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Tolbukhin Troops of the Fourth Ukrainian Front, continuing their successful offensive, today, April 13, as a result of a bold blow struck by tank formations and infantry, captured the town and Black Sea port of Eupatoria, important strongpoint of the German defences on the west coast of the Crimea. In the fighting for the capture of Eupatoria, distinction was won by troops commanded by Lieut.-Gen. Zakharov, Lieut.-Gen. Chanchibadze, Maj.-Gen. Tsalikov and Lieut.- Col. Puzanov; artillerymen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Strelbitsky, Maj. Mozgunov and Lieut.-Col. Chizhinov; tankmen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Tank Troops Yudin; and airmen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Aviation Kuznetsov and Col. Chuchev.

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

Today, April 13, 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 gallant troops of the Fourth Ukrainian Front which liberated the town and port of Eupatoria. For excellent military operations I express my thanks to all troops under your command which took part in the fighting for the liberation of Eupatoria. 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