Major General Pajari
Major General Pajari (1897–1949) Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #12, and one of the few people who received the award twice. Aaro Pajari is regarded as one of the bravest and most courageous men of the Finnish army in the Second World War. His tactical greatness, as well as his manner of leading from the front made him a great leader and led to great devotion and motivation from the troops under his command. His greatest achievement was the Finnish victory at the Battle of Tolvajarvi in the winter of 1939–40, where his small Finnish force smashed a far larger Soviet army. Pajari went on to serve brilliantly throughout the Winter, Continuation, and Lapland wars, becoming famous for his success in leading small unit, and guerrilla style operations. (Wikipedia) Years of service: 1917-1949 Promotions: 2nd Lieutenant - September 17, 1919 1st Lieutenant - December 6, 1920 Captain - December 6, 1923 Major - May 16, 1927 Lieutenant Colonel - December 6, 1930 Colonel - December 18, 1939 Major General - October 3, 1941 Wars and engagements: Finnish Civil War(1918), Aunus expedition(1919), Winter War(1939-1940), Continuation War(1941-1944), Lapland War(1944-1945) Commands held: 2nd Regiment of the Aunus expedition(1919), Infantry Regiment 16(1939-1940), 18th Division(1941-1943), 3rd Division(1943-1944) Awards: #Mannerheim Cross 2nd class(awarded twice) #Cross of Liberty 1st class with oak Leafs and swords #1st Class Knight's Cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland #Medal of Liberty 1st and 2nd class #Iron Cross 1st and 2nd class
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.ww2incolor.com/gallery/finnish-forces/36393/major-general-pajari