ORDER

OF THE SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

To Army General Chernyakhovsky

The troops of the 3rd Byelorussian Front today, July 5, as a result of a swift attack by tank formations, cavalry, and infantry, captured the city and large railway junction of Molodechno — an important strongpoint of the German defence covering the routes to Vilno and Lida.

In the fighting for the capture of Molodechno, the following troops distinguished themselves: the forces of Lieutenant General Krylov, Colonel General Galitsky, Major General Vorobyev, Major General Perekrestov; the tankmen of Marshal of Armoured Forces Rotmistrov, Lieutenant General of Tank Forces Obukhov, Major General of Tank Forces Fominykh, Colonel Kremer, Lieutenant Colonel Sokolov, [Lieutenant Colonel] Kutin, Lieutenant Colonel Shukakidze, Lieutenant Colonel Yablokov; the cavalrymen of Major General Brikel, Major General Kalyuzhny; the artillerymen of Major General of Artillery Nefedov, Colonel Baryshev; and the sappers of Colonel Robinovich.

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

Today, July 5, at 23:30 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, salutes the valiant troops of the 3rd Byelorussian Front who have captured Molodechno — 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 Molodechno.

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 5, 1944 [No. 130]