Finnish Forces

Cavalry soldiers 1941

Cornet Hirvi-Kunnas (second from right) with some of his men, in 1941. Teppo Hirvi-Kunnas (1919-1942), the Knight of the Mannerheim Cross No.53, served in Häme Cavalry Regiment (HRR) as platoon leader in 1941, and as leader of reconnaissance detachment in 1942. He was wounded once, on August 25, 1941, and was killed in ambush with nearly 20 others on March 10, 1942, while returning from mission near mouth of Vodla River, on Lake Onega. During the war he received Cross of Liberty 4th class with Oak Leaves and Swords, and the Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) which was awarded to him posthumously on April 20, 1942. Long citation for it mentions his bravery in combat situtations, the successful mission after which he was killed, and his initiative actions in 1941. On August 21, 1941, he captured two important bridges from enemy troops with his men, and took out a machine gun position. Four days later, when the squadron (company) commander was wounded, he took control of the situation and organized the squadron's defences against overwhelming enemy counter-attack which was supported by tanks. He was wounded himself while moving in the frontline checking positions and reorganizing defences, but the attack was repelled.