Order of the Day, March 18, 1944

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

Today, March 18, as a result of two days fighting, the troops of the First Ukrainian Front captured the operationally important railway junction and town of Zhmerinka. In the fighting for the capture of Zhmerinka, distinction was won by troops commanded by Col.-Gen. Moskalenko and Lieut.-Gen. Golubovsky; tankmen commanded by Col. Belyayev; artillerymen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Likhachev; and airmen commanded by Col.-Gen. of Aviation Krasovsky and Maj.-Gen. of Aviation Kamanin. To commemorate the victory, the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of Zhmerinka shall be recommended to bear the name of Zhmerinka and to be awarded orders. Today, March 18, 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 First Ukrainian Front which captured Zhmerinka.

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 Zhmerinka. 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