The Zhitomir-Berdichev operation began on December 24th, in the middle of the day rather than with the traditional dawn barrage. By then the Germans had already begun their Christmas celebrations and a large hole was rapidly punched in the German front line. The 1st Tank and 3rd Guards Tank Armies entered the breach and had pushed through Kornin the next day. The 8th Guards Mechanized Corps had penetrated to Kazatin by the 28th, 100 kilometers in four days. Leading the way was the 1st Guards Tank Brigade, scattering the Germans as they fell back.
Objectives: Break through, engage and destroy the German rear elements, and continue south down the road.
