Sodanjumala 589 Report post Posted May 7, 2015 (edited) Aarne Edward Juutilainen was an Finnish officer that led troops through out the Second World War with example and pure guts. He's story starts long before the war as he, at the age of 14 he took part in Finnish Civil War as an machine-gun loader and later joined the officer school but he was later kicked out for having some social trouble. But by 1930 he joined the French Foreign Legion and after an year of training he took part in 4 year active combat tour in Morocco Atlas -mountains fighting against insurgents. He's was then noted for extreme bravery and tenacity. He's service ended in 1935 (the same year the insurgency was put down) and got Medaille Coloniale and French citizenship. After his tour in Africa he returned to Finland and served as and officer for 2 years and later as an commander for White Guard. But his career never went further because of his drinking. He would have returned to Legion for career as an officer but mobilization for war ended that. In Winter War he led an company from 34th Infantry Regiment and later an battalion from 9th Infantry Regiment. Many commanders praised him for his ability to inspire his men and remaining steadfast no matter the odds. For his actions he was awarded with Order of the Cross of Liberty 3rd Class with Swords and Oak Leafs. He commented on the brutal battles saying that his service in Morocco was nothing to compared. Also it should be noted that there was one other legend who fought with his unit: Simo Häyhä or better known as The White Death. But there is that, he never went further then captain in ranks, despite the actions he has taken. Reason was his problem with drinking which stopped his career in it's tracks. It's also the reason why he was never awarded with Cross of Mannerheim. He ended his war in Lapland after being told to quit the army. And before anyone asks, yes he is related to the Finnish fighter ace, Ilmari Juutilainen who won Cross of Mannerheim twice and is the best outside of Germany in ww2 with 94 kills . He is actually Aarne's younger brother, believe it or not! Edited May 7, 2015 by Sodanjumala Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valqyrie 1,804 Report post Posted May 23, 2015 Finland? Be afraid, be very afraid. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
