Finnish Forces

Portrait of Private Korpi

2Lt Sjöblom /SA-kuva 139529

Erkki Korpi (1920-1988) photographed in Mikkeli, Finland. 19.12.1943. He was a brave man who served at Karelian Isthmus at the end of the Winter War (1939/40) and throughout Continuation War (1941-44). This coolheaded private once took out a group of some 50 enemy soldiers when guarding a road together with another soldier. He had very recognised position among the platoon for his combat merits and modest personality. He was one of the 191 men awarded with the Mannerheim Cross, which he received in late 1943. The war ended for this man at Äyräpää, where a shrapnel penetrated into his right temple on 23.6.1944. He later became sergeant after two post-war promotions in reserve. After the war he worked on his home farm to year of 1982.