Order of the Day, March 16, 1944

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

Troops of the Second Ukrainian Front, developing their offensive, yesterday, March 15, as a result of a resolute attack by formations of tanks and infantry, captured the large railway junction and town of Vapnyarka, thus cutting the most important Zhmerinka-Odessa main railway. In the fighting for Vapnyarka distinction was won by tankmen commanded by Lieut.-Gen. of Tank Troops Bogdanov and Maj.-Gen. of Tank roops Dubovoi, and troops commanded by Lieut.-Gen. Trofimenko and Lieut.-Gen. Zhmachenko.

To commemorate the victory the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of Vapnyarka are recommended to bear, the name of Vapnyarka and to be awarded orders. Today, March 16, at 21.00 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 Second Ukrainian Front which captured the large railway junction and town of Vapnyarka.

For excellent military operations I express my thanks to all troops under your command which took part in the fighting for Vapnyarka.

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