J. V. Stalin

Order of the Day

Addressed to Army-Generals Tolbukhin and Malinovsky

August 24, 1944


TROOPS of the 3rd Ukrainian Front, with vigorous collaboration of troops of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, as a result of a skilful outflanking manœuvre and a frontal attack to-day, August 24, captured by storm the capital of the Moldavian S.S.R.—the city of Kishinev, an important communications junction and powerful strong-point in the enemy defences.

In the fighting for the capture of the city of Kishinev distinction was won by troops commanded by Lieut.-Gen. Berzarin, Lieut.-Gen. Galanin, Lieut.-Gen. Koroteyev, Maj.-Gen. Firsov, Maj.-Gen. Zherebin, Maj.-Gen. Latyshev, Maj.-Gen. Biryukov, Maj.-Gen. Seryugin, Col. Shostatsky, Maj.-Gen. Sokolov, Maj.-Gen. Syzranov, Col. Fomichenko, Maj.-Gen. Fedorovsky, Col. Khilchevsky, Col. Frolov, Col. Afonin, Maj.-Gen. Tsvetkov, Col. Chizhov and Maj.-Gen. Bunyashin; Artillerymen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Kosenko, Maj.-Gen. of Artillery Tsikalo, Col. Pavlov, Col. Sokolov, and Lieut.-Col. Klimenkov; Tankmen commanded by Maj.-Gen. of Tank Troops Polozkov, Col. Anisimov, Col. Tyaglov and Col. Andreyev, Airmen commanded by Col.-Gen. of Aviation Sudets and Col.-Gen. of Aviation Goryunov; Sappers commanded by Col. Furs, Col. Malov and Col. Chevychelov; Signallers commanded by Col. Falin and Lieut.-Col. Sukhikh.

To commemorate the victory the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the capture of Kishinev will be recommended for conferment of the name “Kishinev” and award of Orders.

To-day, August 24, at 22.00 hours (Moscow time), the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute with 24 artillery salvoes from 324 guns our gallant troops of the 3rd and 2nd Ukrainian Front which captured the city of Kishinev.

For excellent military operations I express my thanks to all the troops under your command which took part in the fighting for the liberation of Kishinev.

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

Death to the German invaders!

J. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union
Moscow