Finnish 53rd Infantry Regiment at Kiestinki/Kestenga. 1941-44

JR 53 at Kiestinki

Toivo Manninen (1916-1943), Knight of the Mannerheim Cross No.100.

Served as platoon second-in-command in 25th Infantry Regiment at Kuhmo during the Winter War, and in 53rd Infantry Regiment at Kiestinki, in 1941. He was wounded on March 3, 1940, and again on August 5, 1941. Sergeant Manninen was discharged from duty due to permanent disability, in February 1942, and later in 1943, he died in a military hospital in Oulu, Finland. In addition to the Mannerheim Cross, he earned himself Cross of Liberty 4th class, Medal of Liberty 1st class and 2nd class.

Mannerheim Cross November 6, 1942:

Persistent and brave leader. Led some twenty successful patrols to enemy positions and to the rear of the enemy. His reconnaissance activity often had decisive effect to outcome of the advancing battles because he found the weakest spots in enemy lines.

On August 5, 1941, during attack to so-called "Hill of Death" (kuolemankukkula), he took command of the platoon after their leader fell, and continued the attack up the hill even after his foot was torn apart by landmine. He led his men all the way to the objective and to final victory. Moving on one foot, he even checked that the defensive positions would hold, before he let himself be evacuated from the battlefield.

Promotions:
Korpraali (Lance Corporal) - 15.7.1937
Alikersantti (Corporal) - 5.11.1937
Kersantti (Sergeant) - 11.4.1940
Ylikersantti (Staff Sergeant) - posthumously 20.6.1945

Persistent soldier

Finnish soldiers manning anti-aircraft machine gun of some sort. 1941-1944