Finnish Forces

Paavo Korpi (1919-1941)

Paavo Korpi (1919-1941) Knight of the Mannerheim Cross No.34. He started his military service in 1940, and served as combat messenger NCO in 2nd Jaeger Battalion in 1941. The Mannerheim Cross was awarded to him on November 13, 1941, for his actions in July - September 1941. On July 14, he captured a quadruple AA machine gun from enemies that greatly hindered their attack, and five days later he killed dozens of enemies with his submachine gun. On September 6, he killed twenty enemy soldiers single-handedly, and with aid of three comrades, took altogether fourty prisoners, clearing the way to their platoon's objective with these actions. The following day he captured an armored car aided by two comrades, and used it to clear the way for their company through enemy lines, to the shore of Svir river, and kept the way open for following units. Corporal Korpi died on December 8, 1941, at Poventsa, as he drowned after Soviets blew up a dam and flooded the area. The current took his body and it was never found. Before his death he also earned himself a Cross of Liberty 4th class and Medal of Liberty 1st & 2nd class. Promotions: Korpraali (Lance Corporal) - 17.6.1940 Alikersantti (Corporal) - 28.8.1940