Order of the Day, March 31, 1944

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Malinovsky Troops of the Third Ukrainian Front, developing their offensive, captured the fortress and town of Ochakov, important strongpoint of the German defences dominating the entrance to the Dnieper-Bug estuary.

In the fighting for the capture of Ochakov, distinction was won by troops commanded by Col.-Gen. Tsvetayev, Col. Nikitin and Col. Dorofeyev; artillerymen commanded by Col. Mazovsky and Lieut.-Col. Portnov, sappers commanded by Col. Furs, and sailors commanded by Lieut.- Col. Neimark.

To commemorate the victory, the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of Ochakov shall be recommended for conferment of the name Ochakov and award of orders. Today, March 31, 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 Third Ukrainian Front which captured Ochakov.

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 Ochakov. 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