Order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief
9 March 1944
[No. 81]

ORDER

OF THE SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

To Marshal of the Soviet Union Zhukov

The troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front, developing their offensive, today, 9 March, as a result of a skilful enveloping manoeuvre combined with a frontal attack, captured the town of Starokonstantinov — an important strongpoint of the German defences in the Proskurov direction.

Distinction in the fighting for the capture of the town of Starokonstantinov was won by the troops of Colonel-General Grechko, Colonel-General Rybalko, Lieutenant-General Bondarev, Major-General Popov, and Major-General Gordeyev; the artillerymen of Major-General of Artillery Brichenok; the tankmen of Major-General of Tank Troops Ivanov; and the airmen of Colonel-General of Aviation Krasovsky.

To commemorate the victory achieved, the formations and units that distinguished themselves most in the fighting for the liberation of the town of Starokonstantinov shall be recommended for conferment of the designation "Starokonstantinovsky" and for award of orders.

Today, 9 March, at 23.00 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute the valiant troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front, which captured the town of Starokonstantinov, with twelve artillery salvoes from one hundred and twenty-four guns.

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

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

Death to the German invaders!

Supreme Commander-in-Chief

Marshal of the Soviet Union I. STALIN

9 March 1944 [No. 81]