| Mannerheim Cross of Liberty | |
|---|---|
 Mannerheim Cross 1st Class (above) and 2nd Class (below). Crossed batons indicate a second award of a 2nd class cross. | |
| Type | Medal, two classes |
| Awarded for | "Exceptional bravery, for the achievement of crucially important objectives by combat, or for especially successfully conducted operations." |
| Presented by | Finland |
| Eligibility | Military personnel |
| Status | Still active de jure[1] |
| First awarded | July 22, 1941 |
| Last awarded | May 7, 1945 |
| Total | 197 |
| Total recipients | 191 |
The Mannerheim Cross (Finnish: Mannerheim-risti, Swedish: Mannerheimkorset), officially Mannerheim Cross of the Cross of Liberty (Finnish: Vapaudenristin Mannerheim-risti, Swedish: Frihetskorsets Mannerheimkors) is the most distinguished Finnish military honour.[dubious – discuss] A total of 191 people received the cross between 22 July 1941 and 7 May 1945, with six of the recipients receiving a cross twice. Available in two classes, the 1st class medal has only been awarded twice, with both recipients also having received the medal in the 2nd class. Although still active de jure, no crosses have been awarded since 1945. Tuomas Gerdt, the last living Knight of the Mannerheim Cross, died on 1 November 2020.