188th Rifle Division (1941–1946; 1953–1955) 52nd Rifle Brigade (1946–1953) | |
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Active | 1941–2002 |
Country | Soviet Union (1941–1991) Ukraine (1991–2002) |
Branch | Soviet Army (1941–1959) Strategic Rocket Forces (1960–1991) |
Type | Infantry (former), Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile |
Garrison/HQ | Pervomaisk |
Engagements | World War II |
Decorations | Order of the Red Banner Order of the October Revolution |
Battle honours | Lower Dnieper |
The 46th Nizhnedneprovskaya (Lower Dnieper) Order of the October Revolution Red Banner Rocket Division / Missile Division (Military Unit 33883) was a division of the Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces, active from 1961–62 to 1992 under the Soviet Union, and from 1992 to 2002 as part of Ukraine. The division traced its history back to the 188th Rifle Division, formed in Kaunas in spring 1941. The division fought in the Battle of the Dnieper, for which it was awarded the honorific "Lower Dnieper". After the Second Jassy–Kishinev Offensive it garrisoned Sliven in Bulgaria. At some point it moved to Pervomaisk in the then-Ukrainian SSR and became the 20th Rifle Division in 1955. In 1957, it became the 93rd Motor Rifle Division and was disbanded in 1959. In 1960, the 29th Rocket Brigade was formed in Pervomaisk and became the 46th Rocket Division in 1960. The 46th Rocket Division inherited the honors and awards of the 188th Rifle Division. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the division became part of Ukrainian military and was disbanded by 2002.