Order of the Day, September 9, 1944

Troops of the Third Ukrainian Front on September 8 crossed the frontier between Rumania and Bulgaria, and in two days advanced up to 170 kilometres, captured the important communication .centre Sumen (Sumla), the large Danube port Russe (Rustchuk) and, in collaboration with the Black Sea Fleet, captured the towns and important Black Sea ports of Varna and Burgas.

Our troops commenced operations in Bulgaria because the Bulgarian Government was unwilling to sever relations with Germany and was harbouring German armed forces on Bulgarian territory. As a result of the successful actions of our troops, the aim of these military operations has been achieved: Bulgaria has severed relations with Germany and declared war on her. Thus Bulgaria has ceased to be a support of German imperialism in the Balkans, as she had been for the last 30 years.

During the operations carried out on Bulgarian territory, distinction was won by troops commanded by Lt.- Gen. Shlemin, Lt.-Gen. Gagen and Lt.-Gen. Sharokhin; tankmen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Tank Troops Zhdanov, Maj.-Gen. of Tank Troops Katkov and Lt.-Gen. of Tank Troops Sukhoruchkin; sailors commanded by Capt. of the First Rank Derevyanko, Capt. of the Second Rank Ratner and Maj. Katanov; and airmen commanded by Lt.-Gen. of Aviation Yermachenkov.

To commemorate the success achieved, the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the operations on Bulgarian territory will be recommended for conferment of the names Rustchuk, Sumla, Varna and Burgas and for award of orders.

Today, September 9, at 23.00 hours (Moscow time), the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, shall in the name of the Motherland salute with 20 artillery salvoes from 224 guns our gallant troops of the Third Ukrainian Front and the sailors of the Black Sea Fleet who distinguished themselves in the operations on Bulgarian territory. For excellent operations I express my thanks to all troops, ships and units under your command which took part in the operations in Bulgaria.

J. Stalin

Marshal of the Soviet Union

Supreme Commander-in-Chief