Order of the Day, April 16, 1944

Issued by Marshal Stalin and addressed to Army General Yeremenko Troops of the Independent Maritime Army, developing their offensive, captured the town and Black Sea port of Yalta, one of the strongpoints of the enemy defences on the southern coast of the Crimea.

In the fighting for the capture of Yalta, distinction was won by troops commanded by Maj.-Gen. Provalov, Maj.- Gen. Luchinsky, Maj.- Gen. Rozhdestvensky, Maj.-Gen. Koldubov and Col. Preobrazhensky; artillerymen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Sokolsky, and sappers commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Engineering Troops Pilipets. To commemorate the victory, the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for Yalta will be recommended for conferment of the name Yalta and for award of orders.

Today, April 16, 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 Independent Maritime Army which captured Yalta.

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 Yalta.

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