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Mykolas VelykisRussian and Lithuanian serviceman, brigadier general
Date of Birth: 12.11.1884
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Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service in World War I
- Founding the Lithuanian Army
- Minister of Defense and Subsequent Military Appointments
- Brigadier General and Post-Military Career
- Entrepreneurial Endeavors and Later Life
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Jonas Vileisis' early life was marked by the loss of his parents at an early age, leading him to be raised by relatives. Born in the village of Linoniuosas, he pursued his education in Panevezys before taking up railway work in Siberia. In 1908, he graduated from the Vilna Infantry Cadet School.
Military Service in World War I
During World War I, Vileisis served on the Southwestern Front in Galicia as part of General Brusilov's staff. After returning to Vilna in 1918, he joined the Lithuanian State Council as a member of its security commission.
Founding the Lithuanian Army
Along with Kazys Skirpa, Vileisis played a pivotal role in establishing the Lithuanian army. He oversaw the creation of infantry regiments, cavalry units, and a military commandant's office. He also initiated the first mobilization and founded the Kaunas Military Academy.
Minister of Defense and Subsequent Military Appointments
From 1918 to 1920, Vileisis served as the Minister of Defense. After a brief resignation, he was appointed Assistant Inspector of the Army and later became a regiment commander. In 1921, he assumed command of a division. From 1923, he concurrently held the position of Garrison Commander of Kaunas.
Brigadier General and Post-Military Career
In 1924, Vileisis was promoted to Colonel and appointed Commander of the 2nd Military District. In 1926, following a military coup, he was forced to retire with the rank of Brigadier General. He subsequently taught at military academies and actively engaged with military scientific circles.
Entrepreneurial Endeavors and Later Life
Outside of his military career, Vileisis pursued business ventures. He served as Chairman of a military-economic joint-stock company and co-founded the "Stumbro" auctioning factory. He also became the Lithuanian representative for the firm "Vikers."
In 1944, Vileisis was arrested by the NKVD and imprisoned for eight years. In 1951, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison and exiled to Siberia. He was released in 1956 due to an amnesty.
Death and Legacy
Jonas Vileisis passed away in Vilnius from pneumonia in 1960. He was buried in the Aukstosiuos Panemunes Cemetery in Kaunas. Lithuania has honored his memory with a monument and a street named after him.
