180th Rifle Division
| 180th Rifle Division 180th Motor Rifle Division |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1940–1989 |
| Country |
 Soviet Union
|
| Branch | Soviet Army |
| Type | Infantry, Motorized Infantry |
| Garrison/HQ | Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky (2nd formation) |
| Engagements | |
| Decorations |
 Order of Kutuzov 2nd class (2nd formation) |
| Battle honours | Kiev (2nd formation) |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Serafim Merkulov |
Order of the Red Banner (2nd formation) 
Order of Suvorov 2nd class (2nd formation)
The 180th Rifle Division was an infantry division of the Soviet Red Army, formed twice.
Poirer and Connor write that it was first formed 1940 in the Baltic Special Military District and became the 28th Guards Rifle Division on 3 May 1942.
The division briefly became the 14th Rifle Division in 1955, then 88th Motor Rifle Division 1957, but became 180th Kiev Red Banner Orders of Suvorov and Kutuzov Motor Rifle Division in 1965 and remained under that title until the 1990s. After 1992 became Ukrainian 27th Mechanized Brigade. The 27th Mechanized Brigade was disbanded, most likely in the early 2000s.
The 180th Rifle Division was first formed during August and September 1940 in the Baltic Special Military District. It was part of the 22nd (Estonian) Territorial Rifle Corps and was composed of Estonian People's Force personnel. It was commanded by Major General Richard Tomberg, the former comammander of the Estonian Air Force. On 3 June 1941, Major General Ivan Missan replaced Tomberg in command. On 22 June 1941, it was based in Võru, which was in the rear area. While moving forward, it was attacked by German aircraft. The division entered combat on 26 June against the LVI Panzer Corps, which was attacking the 27th Army in the Daugava region. On 9 July, the division and its parent formation, the 22nd Rifle Corps, were transferred from the 27th Army to the 11th Army. It fought in defensive battles, making counterattacks in Soltsy, Porkhov and Novorzhev. In August it had retreated back to the Staraya Russa area.In September 1941, the division fought in the Demyansk Defensive Operation. It then fought in the Demyansk Pocket in early 1942. On 3 May 1942, the division became the 28th Guards Rifle Division for its actions.
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