Order of the Day, September 23, 1943

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Popov To-day, September 23, troops of the Bryansk front, continuing their vigorous offensive, took by storm the vital railway junction and strong German centre of resistance in the Gomel direction, the town of Unecha.

In the fighting for the town, troops under Lieutenant-General Fedyunisky and airmen under Lieutenant-General of Aviation Naumenko distinguished themselves. Particular distinction was won by the 197th Bryansk Infantry Division (Colonel Danilovsky), the 217th Infantry Division (Colonel Massonov), the 117th Tank Brigade (Lieutenant-Colonel Voronkov) and the 30th Motorised Infantry Brigade (Colonel Smirnov). To commemorate the victory, the name of Unecha shall be conferred on the formations which distinguished themselves in the battle for the liberation of the town of Unecha. Henceforth these formations shall be known as: The 217th Unecha Infantry Division, the 117th Unecha Tank Brigade and the 30th Unecha Motorised Infantry Brigade. The 197th Bryansk Infantry Division, which has distinguished itself for the second time in battle against the German invaders, is recommended for the award of the Order of the Red Banner.

To-day, September 23, at 22.00 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, salutes with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops which liberated the town of Unecha.

For their excellent military operations, I express my gratitude to all troops commanded by you which participated in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Unecha. Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fight for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin

Supreme Commander-in-Chief

Marshal of the Soviet Union