Order on the Redesignation of the 100th, 127th, 153rd, and 161st Rifle Divisions as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Guards Divisions, 18 September 1941

Source: Tom 18

Source: Tom 18

No. 308

18 September 1941

In numerous battles for our Soviet Motherland against the Hitlerite hordes of fascist Germany, the 100th, 127th, 153rd, and 161st Rifle Divisions have shown exemplary courage, valor, discipline, and organization. In the difficult conditions of the struggle, these divisions have repeatedly inflicted severe defeats on the German-fascist forces, put them to flight, and struck terror into them.

Why have these rifle divisions of ours managed to beat the enemy and drive the vaunted German forces before them?

Because, first, when attacking they did not advance blindly, headlong, but only after thorough reconnaissance, after serious preparation, after they had probed the weak points of the enemy and secured their flanks.

Because, second, when breaking through the enemy front, they did not limit themselves to advancing forward but sought to widen the breach by their actions in the immediate rear of the enemy, to the right and left of the point of penetration.

Because, third, having captured territory from the enemy, they immediately consolidated what they had taken, dug in at the new position, organized firm security for the night, and sent forward serious reconnaissance to probe the retreating enemy anew.

Because, fourth, when occupying a defensive position, they carried it out not as a passive defense but as an active defense combined with counter-attacks. They did not wait for the moment when the enemy would strike and push them back, but themselves launched counter-attacks to probe the enemy's weak points, to improve their positions, and at the same time to temper their regiments in the process of counter-attacks in preparation for an offensive.

Because, fifth, when the enemy applied pressure, these divisions did not fall into panic, did not throw down their weapons, did not scatter into the forest thickets, did not cry "We're surrounded!" but responded to the enemy's blows with organized counterblows, severely curbed panic-mongers, and mercilessly dealt with cowards and deserters, thereby ensuring discipline and organization in their units.

Because, finally, the commanders and commissars in these divisions conducted themselves as courageous and demanding leaders, who knew how to compel their subordinates to carry out orders and were not afraid to punish violators of orders and discipline.

On the basis of the foregoing and in accordance with the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Stavka of the Supreme Command orders:

1. For military valor, for organization, discipline, and exemplary order, the above-mentioned divisions are to be redesignated as guards divisions, namely:

The 100th Rifle Division -- as the 1st Guards Division. Division Commander: Major-General Russiyanов.

The 127th Rifle Division -- as the 2nd Guards Division. Division Commander: Colonel Akimenko.

The 153rd Rifle Division -- as the 3rd Guards Division. Division Commander: Colonel Gagen.

The 161st Rifle Division -- as the 4th Guards Division. Division Commander: Colonel Moskvitin.

2. In accordance with the decree of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the above-mentioned divisions are to be presented with special Guards banners.

3. For the entire command staff (senior, middle, and junior) in all four guards divisions, pay is to be set at one and a half times the normal rate from September of this year, and for the enlisted ranks at double the rate.

4. The Chief of the Rear of the Red Army is to develop and submit by September 30 a design for a special uniform for guards divisions.

5. This order is to be announced in the active army and in the military districts in all companies, squadrons, batteries, air squadrons, and commands.

People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR

I. STALIN

Chief of the General Staff of the Red Army

Marshal of the Soviet Union

B. SHAPOSHNIKOV

TsAMO. F. 4. Op. 12. D. 99. L. 110-112.