Finnish jaeger troops advancing with T-37 amphibious light tanks. 1941

T-37

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.

Onni Mantere

Lieutenant Räsänen having a cigarette next to his T-28 tank during a lull in battles, in 1941.

Albert "Ritari" Räsänen (1895-1963), Knight of the Mannerheim Cross No.40.
One of the first Finnish jaegers, trained in Germany and served on the eastern front with the 27th Jaeger Battalion. He fought in battles of Tampere and Viipuri in Finnish Civil War of 1918, and stayed in Finnish Army service after it, but later resigned and went to support the East Karelian Uprising (1921-22) as part of the Finnish volunteer expedition to White Karelia. He was instructor in armoured company in 1921 and continued the job from 1923 to 1939, and then served as commander of armoured company at Karelian Isthmus during the Winter War. In Continuation War he commanded armoured platoon in 1941-42, heavy armoured company in 1942-43, and trained new tank crews in 1943-44. He participated in the Lapland War but left active service on December 20, 1944, after the demobilization. After the wars "Ritari"(Knight) Räsänen was farmer in his hometown until his death. He received the Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) on November 19, 1941, for his success in breakthrough battles at Tuulosjoki river and Petroskoi. Today the T-28 then commanded by him can be seen in Parola Tank Museum.

Other awards:
Cross of Liberty 3rd class with Oak Leaves
Cross of Liberty 4th class with Oak Leaves and Swords
1st & 2nd class Medal of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
Iron Cross 2nd class (World War I)

Promotions:
Vääpeli (Sergeant First Class) - 4.2.1918
Luutnantti (Lieutenant) - 15.12.1939
Kapteeni (Captain) - 9.12.1941