Oskars Kalpaks

Oskars Kalpaks (1882-1919) led the first independent Latvian forces (1st Latvian battalion) soon after Latvia gained independence. He helped repel a Russian reconquest attempt. Oskars Kalpaks was killed in one of the fights while this attempt was thwarted by joint Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian, and remaining German forces.

Kalpaks grew up in a rural family. He opted to become a soldier and attended Irkutsk military school before joining the 183rd Pultusk Infantry Regiment. During the First World War, he demonstrated command ability and gallantry in battle, earning him the most significant Russian military honors and the position of Regiment Commander. Kalpaks enlisted in the Ministry of Defense following Latvia's declaration of independence on November 18, 1918. He organized Vidzemes defense against Bolshevik attacks. On December 31, Kalpaks assumed command of all armed units at the disposal of the Provisional Government of Latvia. Latvia's first military formations became battle-ready under his command. Kalpaks was promoted to Colonel on February 28, 1919. From January to March 1919, the 1st Latvian Battalion fought alongside the German VI Reserve Corps to oppose Bolshevik attacks into Kurzeme, marking the beginning of Latvia's liberation struggle. Kalpaks was accidentally killed in a confrontation with German Freikorps forces on March 6, 1919, near Airtes.

Kalpaks was posthumously granted Latvia's highest military award, the Order of Lāčplēsis after his death. Although he was never officially awarded to this rank or position, Kalpaks is widely considered as Latvia's first Commander in Chief. Kalpaks was recognized on stamps in Latvia in 1937 and again in 2007.