Modern/Post-War Photos

The Mannerheim Cross

The Mannerheim Cross is the highest Finnish military decoration. The medal was introduced after the Winter War in December 1940, and was named after Field Marshal Mannerheim. The decoration was awarded to soldiers for extraordinary bravery, for the achievement of extraordinarily important objectives by combat, or for especially well conducted operations. Bearer of the cross is called a Knight of the Mannerheim Cross. The Cross could be awarded to any soldier of the Finnish Defence Forces, regardless of rank. The lack of a rank requirement, the emphasis on individual bravery, and the prize of 50,000 Finnish marks to each recipient attracted considerable public attention to the award during the war. The first one was awarded on July, 22 1941, and the last one was awarded on May 7, 1945. As the Mannerheim Cross was awarded most often in the 2nd class, it is usually meant when referring to the Mannerheim Cross. The Mannerheim Cross has been awarded to only 191 persons, all during World War II. De jure, the decoration is still active and can be awarded to any Finnish soldier, although it is highly unlikely that this would be done during peacetime or even in a minor conflict. (Decree 550/1946 on the Order of the Cross of Liberty) The ones who received the 2nd class cross twice: Aaro Olavi Pajari, Major-General, infantry division commander Martti Johannes Aho, Colonel, infantry regiment commander Eino Ilmari Juutilainen, Warrant Officer, fighter ace Hans Henrik Wind, Captain, fighter ace The ones who received both, the 1st and 2nd class cross: C. G. E. Mannerheim, Field Marshal Axel Erik Heinrichs, General of Infantry, army commander and Chief of General Staff When Field Marshal Mannerheim was decorated with the 1st and 2nd class at the same time, he thought it was somewhat odd for him to carry a decoration that was named after him. But decided to receive the Crosses from President of the Republic Risto Ryti after all the previous awardees had requested him to accept it.