Order of the Day, February 24, 1944

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Rokossovsky Troops of the 1st Byelorussian Front, having forced the Dnieper, broke through powerful German defences on a front of 50 kilometres, advanced 20 - 25 kilometres in three days offensive fighting, and today, February 24, captured by storm, the town and large railway station of Rogachev, an important strongpoirtt in the German defences in the Bobruisk direction.

In the fighting to capture the town of Rogachev distinction was won by the troops under Lieut.-Gen. Gorbatov, Maj,-Gen. Urbanovich; artillerymen under Lieut.-Gen. of Artillery Semenov; tankmen under Lieut.-Col. Makarikov and Major Belyakov; airmen under Lieut.-Gen. of Aviation Rudenko; and sappers under Col. Voronov, Major Kozhin and Captain Shaferost.

To commemorate the victory, the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting to liberate the town of Rogachev will be recommended to bear the name of Rogachev and to be awarded orders. Today, February 24, at 22.00 (Moscow time), the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns the gallant troops of the 1st Byelorussian Front which captured the town of Rogachev.

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