On July 28, 1942, Joseph Stalin issues "Order No. 227" that came to be known as "Not a step back!" in defense of Leningrad against the German advance. The order established that one to three battalions called the Shtrafbats, are sent to the frontlines fraught with danger and death.
Order No. 227 also directed the Russian army to create blocking detachments to maintain military discipline, prevent deserting troops from fleeing the battlefield, and shooting them on the spot. The order declared, “Panic makers and cowards must be liquidated on the spot. Not one step backward without orders from higher headquarters!"