Avdy Andresson facts for kids

Avdy Andresson was an important Estonian military leader and politician. He was born in Estonia in 1899, when it was part of the Russian Empire. Later, he became the Minister of War for the Estonian Government in Exile. This government worked to keep Estonia's independence alive while it was occupied by another country. Andresson served in this role from 1973 until shortly before his death in 1990.

Avdy Andresson's Life and Service

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Avdy Andresson was born on November 15, 1899, in Viluvere, Estonia. At that time, Estonia was part of the Russian Empire. When he was older, Andresson served in the Russian cavalry during World War I. A cavalry unit is a group of soldiers who fight while riding horses.

After World War I, Estonia fought for its freedom in the Estonian War of Independence. This war lasted from 1918 to 1920. During this time, Andresson joined the 1st Cavalry Regiment of the Estonian Army. He helped Estonia become an independent country. From 1920 to 1940, he continued to serve in the army. He worked as a non-commissioned officer, which is a military leader who is not an officer. He was also a veterinarian, an animal doctor, for the army's horse breeding station.

World War II and Life in Exile

In 1940, during World War II, the Soviet Union invaded and occupied Estonia. Avdy Andresson served in a cavalry division during this period.

After Germany was defeated in World War II, Andresson moved to the United States of America. He went there with his second wife, Hilda Andresson. In the United States, he continued to be active in the Estonian community. In 1960, he was chosen to be the president of the Union of Estonian Freedom Fighters. This group worked to remember and support those who fought for Estonia's freedom.

Andresson also published a monthly newsletter called Virgats for the Estonian Freedom Fighters. He played a big part in building a special granite monument to honor them. This monument is located at the Lutheran Church in Northville, New Jersey.

Minister of War in Exile

From 1973 until 1990, Avdy Andresson served as the Minister of War in Exile. This meant he was part of the Estonian government that continued to operate outside of Estonia while the country was occupied. This government worked to keep the idea of an independent Estonia alive. He also became the disputed Commander of Armed Forces in 1975.

Avdy Andresson passed away on August 27, 1990, in Deerfield, New Jersey. He was buried at the Northville Estonian Lutheran Cemetery. His wife, Hilda, died in 1995 and was buried next to him.

Acknowledgements

• Order of the Cross of the Eagle, Class III. This award was given to him on February 24, 1938.