Order of the Day, March 13, 1944

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Malinovsky Troops of the Third Ukrainian Front, having forced the River Dnieper in its lower reaches, have captured the town of Berislav, and, developing their offensive, today, March 13, as a result of street fighting, captured the town of Kherson – a large junction of railway and water communications and an important strong point in the German defences at the mouth of the River Dnieper.

In the fighting distinction was won by the troops commanded by Lieut.-Gen. Grechkin, Maj.-Gen. Rubanyuk, Col. Mergelov and Col. Dorofeyev; artillerymen commanded by Lieut.-Gen. of Artillery Nedelin and Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Osmolovsky; tankmen commanded by Lieut.- Gen. of Tank Troops Sviridov; airmen commanded by Lieut.-Gen. of Aviation Sudets; and pontoon builders commanded by Lieut.-Gen. of Engineering Troops Kotlyar and Col. Sergeyev.

To commemorate the victory the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of the towns of Kherson and Berislav are recommended for conferment of the names of Kherson and Berislav and for award of orders.

Today, March 13, at 22.00 hours (Moscow time), the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in. the name of the Motherland, will salute with -20 artillery salvoes from 224 guns the gallant troops of the Third Ukrainian Front which captured the towns of Kherson and Berislav. For the excellent military operation I express my thanks to all the troops under your command which took part in the fighting for the liberation of the towns of Kherson and Berislav. 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