Battle of Stalingrad advance now slowed, Hitler changed his mind and reassigned the 4th Panzer Army back to the attack on Stalingrad. By the end of July, the Germans had pushed the Soviets across the Don River. At this point, the Don and Volga Rivers were only apart, and the Germans left their main supply depots west of the Don, which had important implications later in the course of the battle. The Germans began using the armies of their Italian, Hungarian and Romanian allies to guard their left (northern) flank. Occasionally Italian actions were mentioned in official German communiques. Italian forces were generally
Defender of the Motherland Medal is awarded by decree of the President of Ukraine. It is presented by the President, heads of central and local executive power bodies, leaders of military formations and foreign representatives. The medal may be awarded posthumously. The "Defender of the Motherland" Medal may be revoked by the President of Ukraine in cases of the recipient being convicted of a grave crime. Defender of the Motherland Medal The "Defender of the Motherland" Medal () is a commemorative medal awarded by Ukraine. It was established on 8 October 1999 by presidential decree № 1299. An award of the President of Ukraine, the