159th Rifle Division (1942-1943)

The second 159th Rifle Division was formed as an infantry division of the Red Army in January 1942 in the Ural Military District as a redesignation of a 400-series division. It continued slowly forming into spring, when it became part of 60th Army in Voronezh Front. Through July into September it took part in persistent fighting around the city of Voronezh, latterly as part of 40th Army in the same Front. It was then transferred to Southwestern Front, where it came under command of 5th Tank Army in preparation for the winter counteroffensive. Through most of Operation Uranus the 159th acted as its Army's right flank anchor, engaging in local battles along the upper Chir River against German and Romanian forces. Prior to the start of Operation Little Saturn in December it was transferred first to 1st Guards Army and then to 3rd Guards Army, still in the same Front. It took part in the penetration of the German/Romanian front after the offensive was finally launched on December 16, and during the exploitation phase was partially responsible for the encirclement and destruction of large parts of the Italian 8th Army. On January 15, 1943, in recognition of its accomplishments in the Soviet counteroffensive it would become the 61st Guards Rifle Division.