Order of the Day, March 18, 1944

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

Troops of the Second Ukrainian Front, continuing their offensive, yesterday, March 17, captured by storm the town and large railway station of Novo Ukrainka and the town and important railway junction of Pomoshnaya, which had been turned by the Germans into powerful strongpoints in their defences.

In the fighting for the capture of Novo Ukrainka and Promoshnaya distinction was won by troops commanded by Lieut.-Gen. Zhadov and Col.-Gen. Shumilov; tankmen commanded by Maj.~ Gen. of Tank Troops Katkov and Col. Brizhinev; and artillerymen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Polyeuktov, Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Petrov and Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Popovich.

To commemorate the victory, the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of Novo Ukrainka and Pomoshnaya are recommended to have the name of Novo Ukrainka conferred on them and to be decorated with orders. Today, March 18, at 20.00 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 Second Ukrainian Front which captured Novo Ukrainka and Pomoshnaya. 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 Novo Ukrainka and Pomoshnaya. 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