Finnish Forces

Arvo Pentti (Knight #29)

Arvo Pentti (1915-1986) Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #29. Anti-tank gun company commander who personally destroyed several tanks and armoured cars, and led destruction of seven T-34's in first encounter with the tank type on October 2, 1941, at Svir river's power plant. The Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) was awarded to him on October 19, 1941. He was member of Suojeluskunta (Civil Guard) in 1930-41, and was conscript of Finnish Army in 1937-38 during which he completed reserve officer course and became 2nd lieutenant. In Winter War he was first junior officer and then company commander in infantry regiment which fought at Summa and Viipuri, where he was wounded on March 8, 1940. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant six days later. During Continuation War he served as commander of anti-tank gun company 1941–42, was promoted to Captain in November 1941, went to cadet course 1942-43, was company commander in infantry training center 1943–44 and frontline battalion commander in 1944. He was wounded on July 11, 1944, during the Battle of Nietjärvi at U-line. After the war he was staff officer in a military district and was under arrest for 22 months in 1946-48 for the "Weapons Cache Case". He retired from active service and was farmer 1948-70, member of Finnish parliament in Keskusta (Centre Party) 1958-70 and defence minister 1962-66 and 1970-72. He worked in leadership of Valmet Oy 1970-72 and was chief of SuPo (State Police) 1972-78. He was actively involved in reservist activities and was promoted to Major in 1956 and to Lieutenant Colonel in 1966, after taking part in a national defence course.