The 153rd Rifle Division was a Soviet infantry division of the Red Army during World War II. It was formed in the Ural Military District. On 22 June 1941 when the German Operation Barbarossa began, it was serving with the 51st Rifle Corps of the 22nd Army.
The 153rd Rifle Division was one of the first divisions to be designated a Guards formation, becoming 3rd Guards Rifle Division on September 18, 1941, due to 'its combat record in Belarussia and Smolensk'. It was reformed for the second time in February 1942, and later became the 57th Guards Rifle Division in December, after fighting with the 63rd Army.
Reformed for the third time, during the East Prussian Offensive, on 6 April 1945 the Division, which was with the 69th Rifle Corps, 50th Army, was one of the divisions in the encirclement around Königsberg, located at the northwest sector. The division to the right was the 216th Rifle Division, and to the left was the 110th Rifle Division. They attacked German positions and broke through the second defense line.
Famous quotes containing the words rifle and/or division:
“At Hayes’ General Store, west of the cemetery, hangs an old army rifle, used by a discouraged Civil War veteran to end his earthly troubles. The grocer took the rifle as payment ‘on account.’”
—Administration for the State of Con, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)
“O, if you raise this house against this house
It will the woefullest division prove
That ever fell upon this cursed earth.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)