Order of the Day, February 13, 1944

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Govorov Troops of the Leningrad Front, developing their offensive, as a result of a skilful outflanking manoeuvre and a subsequent assault yesterday, February 12, captured the town of Luga, an important communication centre and powerful strongpoint in the German defences. In the fighting to capture the town of Luga, distinction was won by troops under the command of Lieut.-General Sviridev, Maj.-General Trubachev, Maj.-General Khazov, Maj.-Gen-; eral Kazachek, Maj.-General Ivanov, Maj.- General. Yakutovich, Maj.-General Yastrebov, Maj.- General Bunkov, Colonel Batluk, Colonel Yelshinov and Colonel Borshchev; artillerymen commanded by Maj.- General of Artillery Korobchenko, Lieut.-Colonel Gorsky, Lieut.-Colonel Lyash-chenko, Major Vyshkov and Major Goodetsky; airmen commanded by Lieut.-General of Aviation Rybalchenko and Maj.-General of Aviation Andreyev; and sappers commanded by Majors Kulvinsky and Yerastov.

To commemorate the victory, the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves are to be recommended to bear the name of Luga and to receive orders and awards.

To-day, February 13, at 20.00 (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 which took part in the capture of the town of Luga.

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 Luga. Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the struggle for the freedom and independence of our Motherland! Death to the German invaders!

J. V. Stalin

Marshal of the Soviet Union

Supreme Commander-in-Chief