Order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief
18 March 1944
[No. 86]

ORDER

OF THE SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

To Marshal of the Soviet Union Konev

The troops of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, continuing their offensive, yesterday, 17 March, captured by storm the town and large railway station of Novo-Ukrainka and the town and important railway junction of Pomoshnaya, which had been converted by the Germans into powerful strongpoints of their defences.

Distinction in the fighting for the capture of Novo-Ukrainka and Pomoshnaya was won by the troops of Lieutenant-General Zhadov and Colonel-General Shumilov; the tankmen of Major-General of Tank Troops Katkov and Colonel Brizhinev; and the artillerymen of Major-General of Artillery Poluyektov, Major-General of Artillery Petrov, and Major-General of Artillery Popovich.

To commemorate the victory achieved, the formations and units that distinguished themselves most in the fighting for the liberation of Novo-Ukrainka and Pomoshnaya shall be recommended for conferment of the designation "Novo-Ukrainsky" and for award of orders.

Today, 18 March, at 20.00 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute the valiant troops of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, which captured Novo-Ukrainka and Pomoshnaya, 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 Novo-Ukrainka and Pomoshnaya.

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

18 March 1944 [No. 86]