Order of the Day, April 5, 1944

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

Troops of the Third Ukrainian Front, continuing their offensive, as a result of a vigorous blow by infantry, cavalry and mechanized formations captured the town and large railway junction of Razdelnaya, important strongpoint of the German defences at the approaches to Odessa, thus cutting the main roads of retreat to Rumania of the Odessa enemy grouping.

In the fighting for the capture of Razdelnaya distinction was won by troops commanded by.Lieut.-Gen. Sharokhin and Maj.-Gen. Kuznetsov, cavalrymen commanded by Lieut.-Gen. Pliyev, tankmen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Tank Troops Zhdanov, and artillerymen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Khitrovsky.

To commemorate the victory the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for Razdelnaya will be recommended for conferment of the name Razdelnaya and award of orders.

Today, April 5, 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 the gallant troops of the Third Ukrainian Front which captured Razdelnaya.

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 Razdelnaya. 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