ORDER

OF THE SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

To Army General Vatutin

The troops of the Voronezh Front today, September 2, captured by assault the important regional centre of Ukraine — the city of Sumy.

In the fighting for the liberation of the city of Sumy from the German invaders, the troops of Lieutenant-General Chibisov distinguished themselves, and especially the 340th Rifle Division of Colonel Zubarev, the 167th Rifle Division of Major-General Melnikov, and the 232nd Rifle Division of Major-General Ulitin.

In honour of the success achieved, the 340th, 167th, and 232nd Rifle Divisions shall be awarded the designation "Sumy" and shall henceforth be named:

340th Sumy Rifle Division,

167th Sumy Rifle Division,

232nd Sumy Rifle Division.

Today, September 2, at 20:00, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, salutes the valiant troops who liberated the city of Sumy with twelve artillery salvoes from one hundred and twenty-four guns.

For the excellent combat operations and valour, I declare my gratitude to all the troops under your command who participated in the fighting for the liberation of the city of Sumy.

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

Death to the German invaders!

Supreme Commander-in-Chief

Marshal of the Soviet Union I. STALIN

September 2, 1943 [No. 8]