On February 23, 1943, Guards Private Alexander Matveyevich Matrosov of the 254th
Guards Rifle Regiment of the 56th Guards Rifle Division, at a decisive moment in
the battle against the German-fascist invaders for the village of Chernushki,
having broken through to an enemy pillbox, covered the embrasure with his body,
sacrificing himself, and thereby ensured the success of the advancing unit.

By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of June 19, 1943,
Guards Private Comrade Matrosov was posthumously awarded the title Hero of the
Soviet Union.

The great exploit of Comrade Matrosov must serve as an example of military valor
and heroism for all soldiers of the Red Army.

In order to perpetuate the memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Guards Private
Alexander Matveyevich Matrosov,

I ORDER:

1. The 254th Guards Rifle Regiment of the 56th Guards Rifle Division shall be
given the name: "254th Guards Rifle Regiment Named after Alexander Matrosov."

2. Hero of the Soviet Union Guards Private Alexander Matveyevich Matrosov shall
be enrolled forever in the roster of the 1st Company of the 254th Guards Regiment
Named after Alexander Matrosov.

People's Commissar of Defense

Marshal of the Soviet Union

J. STALIN

September 8, 1943

Heroes and Exploits: Soviet Leaflets of the Great Patriotic War, 1941-1945.

Moscow, 1958, p. 209.