Mannerheim was a Finnish officer in the Tsar’s Army at the time when Finland was a part of the Russian empire. He returned to Finland in 1917 to lead the White Army to victory over the Local Red Army. In 1939 Mannerheim was recalled by Finland to resist the Russian invasion. He was not successful in this venture but on surrender did manage to secure terms favorable to Finland by using his considerable diplomatic skill. In 1941 HITLER invaded Russian territory and Finland chose to resume hostilities against the USSR to regain the territory she lost in 1940. When defeat yet again seemed inevitable in 1944 Mannerheim, as Head of State, was able to secure terms for the armistice propitious to Finland. Finland’s national hero was a statesman of tact, intelligence and diplomacy.