The counteroffensive took its toll, and by Dec. 4 the strength of the division was back down to a total of 5,574 men. Following the victory at Stalingrad, in March, 1943, the 169th moved by rail northwards to Western Front. Here it was assigned to 16th Guards Rifle Corps in Gen. I.Kh. Bagramyan's 11th Guards Army. Under these commands the division fought in Operation Kutuzov, which reduced the Oryol salient and liberated the city of Oryol during July and August.