J. V. Stalin
TROOPS of the Karelian Front, as a result of a deep encircling manœuvre and a landing on the western shore of Lake Onega, have liberated the town of Petrozavodsk (capital of the Karelo-Finnish Republic) from the German and Finnish invaders, and captured the town and railway station of Kondopoga, thus clearing the enemy from the whole length of the Kirov (Murmansk) railway.
In the fighting for the liberation of Petrozavodsk distinction was won by sailors commanded by Capt. of the First Rank Antonov, Capt. of the Second Rank Krotin, Lt.-Capt. Yelnikov, Capt. of the Third Rank Nikulin and Capt. Molchanov; troops commanded by Lt.-Gen. Yeremenko, Maj.-Gen. Sapenko, Col. Tsyganov, Col. Alexeyev and Lt. Col. Pilshchikov; artillerymen commanded by Col. Glotov; sappers commanded by Col. Ivanchikhin; and signallers commanded by Capt. of the Second Rank Rozhdestvensky.
To commemorate the victory the units and formations which particularly distinguished themselves in the fighting for the liberation of Petrozavodsk will be recommended for conferment of the name “Petrozavodsk” and the award of Orders.
To-day, June 29, at 22.00 hours (Moscow time), the capital of the Motherland, Moscow, in the name of the Motherland, will salute with 24 artillery salvoes from 324 guns our gallant troops of the Karelian Front which liberated the capital of the Karelo-Finnish S.S.R., Petrozavodsk.
For excellent military operations I express my thanks to all troops under your command which took part in the fighting for the liberation of Petrozavodsk.
Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the struggle for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!
Death to the German and Finnish invaders!
J. Stalin
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Marshal of the Soviet Union
Moscow