Finnish Forces

Captain

Captain Eero Kivelä (1908-1992), Knight of the Mannerheim Cross No.9. In civilian life reserve lieutenant Kivelä worked as store-keeper and youth worker before the wars. During the Winter War he served as company commander in 16th Infantry Regiment (JR 16) at Tolvajärvi in Ladoga Karelia, and was wounded once in december. In Continuation War he served in different units at Karelian Isthmus (JR 27, JR 48, JR 47, Estonian JR 200, ErP 25), first as company commander and later as battalion commander. He was awarded the Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) on September 8, 1941, for showing great personal courage under fire, and for repelling enemy attack with counter-attack, during which he destroyed nine tanks with his men. During the wars he received Cross of Liberty 3rd class twice (second with Oak Leaves), and Cross of Liberty 4th class. After the war Kivelä worked for textile manufacturing company Finlayson, and was parliamentarian of Kokoomus (National Coalition Party) in 1945-48. He was under arrest for 5 months in 1945, for his suspected participation in the "Weapons Cache Case", but was then released to be able to start his work as parliamentarian. He had a wife (died 1976) and three sons (born 1934, 1940 & 1946). Promotions: Vänrikki (Second Lieutenant) - December 1, 1930 Luutnantti (First Lieutenant) - May 16, 1938 Kapteeni (Captain) - July 31, 1940 Majuri (Major) - March 26, 1943 Everstiluutnantti (Lieutenant Colonel) - June 4, 1967