MANNERHEIM - Commander-in-Chief



	During the Winter War an idea was generated to introduce a decoration that could be awarded regardless of military rank in times of war for special bravery, for important results in the battles and for meritorious command of war operations.
	It was not until the end of the Winter War that the two-class Mannerheim Cross was introduced in the Knighthood of the Cross of Liberty by statute. The bearer of this decoration is called the Knight of Mannerheim Cross. The first-class Mannerheim Cross was awarded only to Marshal Mannerheim and General Heinrichs. The second-class Mannerheim Cross was awarded to 191 persons, to two of these twice. As the cross is fairly uncommon and requires special merits, it is regarded as the most honorable decoration in Finland. Mannerheim-ristin ritarin Adolf Ehrnroothin haastattelu Mannerheim-ristin ritarin Hasse Windin haastattelu Mikkelin päämajakoulun luettelo Mannerhem-ristin ritareista
	World War II \| Pacific War \| Winter War \| Headquarters \| Mannerheim Line \| Vilho Petter Nenonen \| K.L. Oesch \| Harald Öhquist \| Paavo Talvela \| Continuation War \|Transit Pact \| Risto Ryti \| Order of the Day of the Sword Scabbard \| Erik Heinrichs \| A.F. Airo \| Hugo Österman \| Marshal's Drink \| Mannerheim Cross \| Title of Marshal of Finland \| Air War - Air Forces

	COURSE OF LIFE \| FAMILY \| TIME OF GROWTH \| MILITARY CAREER \| WAR OF INDEPENDENCE \| REGENT 1918-1919 \| CIVILIAN \| DEFENCE COUNCIL \| COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 1939-1946 \| PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC 1944-1946 \| RETIREMENT \| SPECIAL TOPICS \| SEARCH