Order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief
16 March 1944
[No. 84]

ORDER

OF THE SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

To Marshal of the Soviet Union Konev

The troops of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, developing their offensive, yesterday, 15 March, as a result of a swift attack by tank formations and infantry, captured the large railway junction and town of Vapnyarka, thereby cutting the most important Zhmerinka–Odessa main railway line.

Distinction in the fighting for the capture of Vapnyarka was won by the tankmen of Lieutenant-General of Tank Troops Bogdanov and Major-General of Tank Troops Dubovoi, and the troops of Lieutenant-General Trofimenko and Lieutenant-General Zhmachenko.

To commemorate the victory achieved, the formations and units that distinguished themselves most in the fighting for the liberation of Vapnyarka shall be recommended for conferment of the designation "Vapnyarsky" and for award of orders.

Today, 16 March, at 21.00 hours, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute the valiant troops of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, which captured the large railway junction and town of Vapnyarka, with twelve artillery salvoes from one hundred and twenty-four guns.

For excellent combat operations I express my gratitude to all the troops under your command who took part in the fighting for Vapnyarka.

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

Death to the German invaders!

Supreme Commander-in-Chief

Marshal of the Soviet Union I. STALIN

16 March 1944 [No. 84]