ORDER

OF THE SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

To Colonel General Zakharov

The troops of the 2nd Byelorussian Front, developing their offensive, today, July 14, captured the city and large railway junction of Volkovysk — an important strongpoint of the German defence covering the routes to Byelostok.

In the fighting for the capture of the city of Volkovysk, the following troops distinguished themselves: the forces of Colonel General Gorbatov, Major General Kuznetsov, Major General Urbanovich, Major General Panchuk, Major General Kubasov, Major General Fogel, Colonel Verevkin, Colonel Mikhalitsin; the artillerymen of Lieutenant General of Artillery Sokolsky, Lieutenant General of Artillery Semyonov, Major General of Artillery Degtyarev, Colonel Medvedev, Colonel Kandidatov, Lieutenant Colonel Mudrenko, Lieutenant Colonel Gorodnichev, Lieutenant Colonel Orlov; the tankmen of Major General of Tank Forces Shirobokov, Colonel Oparin; the airmen of Major General of Aviation Getman, Colonel Volkov, Colonel Smolovik, Lieutenant Colonel Kolomin, Lieutenant Colonel Kozachenko; the sappers of Colonel Shitikov, Major Saks; and the signallers of Major General of Signal Forces Mishin, Lieutenant Colonel Kurtukov.

In commemoration of the victory achieved, the formations and units that have most distinguished themselves in the fighting for the capture of the city of Volkovysk are to be nominated for the designation "Volkovysk" and for decoration with orders.

Today, July 14, at 23:00 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, salutes the valiant troops of the 2nd Byelorussian Front who have captured the city of Volkovysk — 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 the city of Volkovysk.

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 14, 1944 [No. 138]