Finnish Forces

Onni Mantere

http://www.mannerheim-ristinritarit.fi/ritarit?xm_ksort=s&xmid=94

Onni Mantere (1911-1970) Knight of the Mannerheim Cross No.13. Lance Corporal Mantere received his military training in a field artillery regiment in 1932-33. He served as a car driver in Light Detachment 10 (KevOs 10) during the Winter War (1939-40), and was anti-tank gunner in 16th Infantry Regiment (JR 16), 19th Division, in Continuation War (1941-44). The Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) was awarded to him on September 16, 1941, for his actions at Kitee, south-eastern Finland, on July 19, 1941. He destroyed seven out of ten tanks, and disabled one just before he was badly wounded to both legs. He did this under heavy fire, with inaccurate gun optics that were damaged during transportation, and he had to also load the gun when his loader was wounded after the fourth tank was destroyed. Onni Mantere was officially discharged from service due to permanent disability, on November 17, 1942.