Finnish Forces

Captain Kvikant

Carl-Birger Kvikant (1912-1944), Knight of the Mannerheim Cross No. 132. Reserve lieutenant Kvikant, history- and native language (swedish) teacher by civilian profession, served in heavy artillery battalions in 1939-40 (Winter War) and 1941-43, after which he volunteered to the newly formed assault gun battalion. First there were only BT-42 assault guns that were used to destroy some 100 enemy bunkers at Svir River in 1943. The battalion then started receiving StuG III Ausf. G assault guns and Kvikant, by now a Captain, led company of them in combat at Karelian Isthmus in 1944. In the counter-attack to Kuuterselkä on June 14-15, his company destroyed 13 tanks, 3 assault guns and some 15 anti-tank guns. His command-vehicle Ps.531-29 destroyed 2 T-34 tanks and ISU-152 assault gun, before it was destroyed in enemy fire. Captain Kvikant was mortally wounded by shrapnel at Perkjärvi on June 16, 1944, and died in field hospital on the following day. He was standing outside of his assault gun giving order to attack when enemy artillery hit the area. The Mannerheim Cross was awarded to him posthumously June 25, 1944. Before this he had already earned himself Cross of Liberty 4th class, and Cross of Liberty 4th class with Oak Leaves. Promotions: Vänrikki (Second Lieutenant) - 18.9.1935 Luutnantti (First Lieutenant) - 14.3.1940 Kapteeni (Captain) - 8.10.1942