Order of the Day, March 24, 1944

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

Troops of the First Ukrainian Front, having beaten off all enemy counter-attacks in the Tarnopol-Proskurov sector and worn down in these engagements the counter-attacking German tank and infantry divisions, a few days ago, unexpectedly for the enemy, went over to the offensive and broke through his front.

In four days offensive engagements troops of the First Ukrainian Front advanced from 60 - 100 kilometres, captured the town and operationally important railway junction of Ghertkov, the town of Gusyatin and the town and the railway junction of Zaleshchiki on the River Dniester, and liberated over 400 other populated places.

In fighting to achieve the breakthrough and to capture the towns of Chertkov, Gusyatin and Zaleshchiki, distinction was won by troops commanded by Col.-Gen. Chernyakhovsky, Col.-Gen. Grechko, Lieut.-Gen. Zhuravlev, Col.-Gen. Moskalenko, Lieut.-Gen. Lyudnikov, Maj.-Gen. Chuvakov, Maj.-Gen. Zamertsev, Maj.-Gen. Lazko and Maj.-Gen. Shmygo; tankmen commanded by Lieut.-Gen. of Tank Troops Katukov, Col,-Gen. Rybalko, Lieut.-Gen. Lelyushenko, Lieut.-Gen. of Tank Troops Getman, Maj.-Gen. of Tank Troops Dremov, Lieut.-Gen. of Tank Troops Panfilov, Maj.-Gen. of’ Tank Troops Ivanov, Maj.-Gen. of Tank Troops Malygin and Lieut.-Gen. of Tank Troops Polubayurov; artillerymen commanded by Col.-Gen. of Artillery Varentsov, Maj.-Gen. of. Artillery Brichenok, Maj.- Gen. of Artillery Likhachev, Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Volchok, Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Sanko and Col. Razumovsky; airmen commanded by Col.-Gen. of Aviation Kras-ovsky, Maj.-Gen. of Aviation Polunov, Maj. Gen..of Aviation Golovnya, Maj.-Gen. of Aviation Kamanin, Col. Kotelnikov, Col. Yuzeyev and Capt. Titarenko. To commemorate the victory the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting to achieve the breakthrough and for the liberation of the towns Chertkov, Gusyatin and Zaleshchiki will be recommended for conferment of the names Chertkov, Gusyatin and Zaleshchiki and for the award of orders. Today, March 24, 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 First Ukrainian Front which broke through the German defences in the Tarnopol- Proskurov sector.

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