Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim

Mannerheim commanded Finnish forces during the Winter War against the Soviet Union. Despite being outnumbered, Finnish troops inflicted heavy losses on the Red Army, defending Finnish independence until the Moscow Peace Treaty in March 1940.

Mannerheim led Finland as co-belligerent with Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union in the Continuation War. Finnish forces recaptured lost territories but later halted at the old border, avoiding deeper involvement in the Siege of Leningrad.

Mannerheim was granted the title Marshal of Finland, the only person to hold this rank. The honor recognized his military leadership and role as commander-in-chief during the Continuation War.

Under Mannerheim's direction, Finnish forces turned against their former German allies in the Lapland War. The campaign forced German troops to withdraw into Norway, fulfilling the armistice terms and securing Finland's position.

Mannerheim succeeded Risto Ryti as President of Finland in August 1944 and negotiated the Moscow Armistice with the Soviet Union. Finland ceded territories, paid reparations, and agreed to expel German forces from Lapland, ending hostilities.