Order of the Day, March 9, 1944

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

Troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front, developing their offensive, today, March 9, as a result of a skilful outflanking manoeuvre combined, with a frontal attack, captured the town of Starokonstantinov, an important strongpoint of the German defences in the Proskurov direction. In the fighting for the capture of the town of Starokonstantinov, distinction was won by the troops commanded by Col.-Gen. Grechko, Col.-Gen. Rybalko, Lieut.-Gen. Bondarev, Maj.-Gen. Popov and Maj.-Gen. Gordeyev; artillerymen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Brichenok; tankmen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Tank Troops Ivanov; and airmen commanded by Col.-Gen. of Aviation Krasovsky.

To commemorate the victory, the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Starokonstantinov will be recommended, to bear the name of Starokonstantinov and to be awarded orders.

Today, March 9, at 23.00 hours (Moscow time), the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute with 12 artillery salvoes from 124 guns our gallant troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front who captured the town of Starokonstantinov. For excellent military operations I express my thanks to all the troops under your command which took part in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Starokonstantinov. 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