ORDER

OF THE SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

To Marshal of the Soviet Union Rokossovsky

The troops of the 1st Byelorussian Front today, July 6, captured the important strongpoint of the German defence and large railway junction — the city of Kovel.

In the fighting for the capture of Kovel, the following troops distinguished themselves: the forces of Lieutenant General Gusev, Major General Anashkin, Major General Kuzmin, Colonel Tsvintarny, Colonel Bulgakov, Colonel Vydrigan, Major General Chernov, Colonel Zaikin; the artillerymen of Major General of Artillery Godin, Major General of Artillery Bityutsky, Colonel Yelovatsky, Lieutenant Colonel Balagurov; the airmen of Lieutenant General of Aviation Polynin, Colonel Grashchenkov, Lieutenant Colonel Smirnov; and the sappers of Colonel Kiselyov, Lieutenant Colonel Sokolov, Major Sokolov.

In commemoration of the success achieved, the formations and units that have most distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of Kovel are to be nominated for the designation "Kovel" and for decoration with orders.

Today, July 6, at 22:00 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, salutes the valiant troops of the 1st Byelorussian Front who have captured Kovel — with twelve artillery salvoes from one hundred and twenty-four guns.

For excellent combat operations I declare gratitude to the troops under your command who participated in the fighting for the liberation of Kovel.

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

Death to the German invaders!

Supreme Commander-in-Chief

Marshal of the Soviet Union I. STALIN

July 6, 1944 [No. 131]