Order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief
13 February 1944
[No. 74]

ORDER

OF THE SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

To Army General Govorov

Troops of the Leningrad Front, developing their offensive, as a result of a skilful outflanking manoeuvre and a subsequent assault, yesterday, 12 February, captured the town of Luga — an important communications hub and a powerful strongpoint of the German defence.

In the fighting for the capture of the town of Luga, distinction was won by the troops of Lieutenant-General Sviridov, Major-General Trubachev, Major-General Khazov, Major-General Kozachek, Major-General Ivanov, Major-General Yakutovich, Major-General Yastrebov, Major-General Bunkov, Colonel Batluk, Colonel Yelshinov, Colonel Borshchev, artillerymen of Major-General of Artillery Korobchenko, Lieutenant-Colonel Gorsky, Lieutenant-Colonel Lyashchenko, Major Vyshkov, Major Gorodetsky, airmen of Lieutenant-General of Aviation Rybalchenko, Major-General of Aviation Andreyev, and sappers of Major Kulvinsky and Major Yerastov.

In commemoration of the victory achieved, the formations and units that particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting are to be submitted for the award of the honorific title "Luga" and for the award of orders.

Today, 13 February, at 20:00 hours the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, salutes our valiant troops who captured the town of Luga with twelve artillery salvoes from one hundred and twenty-four guns.

For excellent military operations I express my gratitude to all troops under your command who took part in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Luga.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the struggle for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Death to the German invaders!

Supreme Commander-in-Chief

Marshal of the Soviet Union I. STALIN

13 February 1944 [No. 74]