June 23 with an artillery barrage, followed by probing attacks all along the front of German 9th Army. The attack began in earnest the next day. A two-hour bombardment, including airstrikes, on the 105th Corps sector was followed by an assault that broke through all five German trench lines in the first defense zone. At noon, Batov sent in the tank corps and the five rifle divisions of the second echelon, including the 354th. At 1600 hrs. the tanks had broken through and were advancing on Bobruisk. In the morning of June 25, 105th Corps was driving 36th Division back towards Parichi; the next day the Corps bypassed the town and, with the help of the armor got within 6 km of Bobruisk by nightfall. By 1600 hrs. on June 27, 105th Corps, with 1st Guards Tank and 9th Tank Corps, began attacking the city from the northwest and south; they were joined by elements of 3rd and 48th Armies the next day. On the same day, Colonel Vdovin was replaced in command of the division by Col. Vladimir Nikolayevich Dzhandzhgava, who had briefly commanded the 15th Sivash Rifle Division the previous year. Dzhandzhgava would be promoted to Major General in February, 1945, and remained in command for the duration. At 1000 hrs. on June 29 the final attack on the city was launched, with the 354th and 356th Divisions leading the way in crossing the Berezina from the east. The division was recognized for its role in the liberation of Bobruisk on July 5 with the award of the Order of the Red Banner. Just weeks later it was further decorated with the Order of Suvorov, 2nd class, in recognition of the part it played in the liberation of Baranovichi. Into Poland and Germany With the defenses of Army Group Center shattered, the division raced westward towards Poland. While attempting to reach and cross the Western Bug River, the forward detachments of 65th Army were counterattacked by elements of three German divisions from July 19 to 25. The 354th faced off against the 5th SS Panzer Division "Viking"; although some elements of the division were surrounded for a time, the Germans were eventually forced to pull back. After an advance of more than 600 km, the 65th Army reached the Narev River on September 5 and forced a crossing. The 354th was sent into the bridgehead and, while unable