Gustav Mannerheim was a Finnish military leader and statesman, born on June 4, 1867. He played a crucial role in Finland's struggle for independence from Russia during the early 20th century. Mannerheim served as the commander-in-chief of the Finnish Army during the Winter War and the Continuation War against the Soviet Union, becoming a national hero in Finland. After World War II, Mannerheim became the sixth President of Finland, serving from 1944 to 1946. His leadership helped stabilize the country during a challenging post-war period. Mannerheim is remembered for his contributions to Finnish independence and military strategy.