Finnish Forces

Aarne Juutilainen

Aarne Edward Juutilainen (October 18, 1904 – October 28, 1976) "The Terror of Morocco" as he was called because of his years (1930-1935) in the French Foreign Legion, was a legendary Finnish officer that is chiefly remembered for his exploits in the Battle of Kollaa. The Battle of Kollaa (December 7, 1939 – March 13, 1940) which was one of the main battles of Winter War is remembered from the Major General Hägglund's sentence "Will Kollaa hold?" which Lieutenant Juutilainen answered: "Yes it will hold unless we are told to run." "Unless we are told to run" meant exactly that, because a week after he received regiment-order by the regiment messenger, cadet Ahti Vuorensola, to withdraw. And he didn't. Afterwards the regiment commander Lieutenant colonel Teittinen gave all honor "He created the Kollaa Spirit" just to captain Aarne Juutilainen that Kollaa's front held. In Juutilainen's company served the most famous Finnish sniper Simo Häyhä. During his 70th birthday in 1974 Aarne Juutilainen told to press, that serving in legion in Morocco was nothing compared to Winter War, that was extremely inhuman day after day. Together with Karelian isthmus the Kollaa's front saw the heaviest battles of winter war. Just during the 2nd day of March estimated 30 000–40 000 rounds was fired on the Kollaa's main line by enemy artillery. During the Continuation War(1941-44) Juutilainen served as company commander in several different infantry regiments and after that also took part in driving the Germans out of north Finland as the peace terms demanded, in conflict called Lapland War(1944-45) During the wars of 1939-1945 Juutilainen was wounded three times. Decorations: Cross of Liberty 4th class with Swords, Cross of Liberty 3rd class with Swords, Cross of Liberty 3rd class with Oak Leaves and Swords, Kollaa Cross, Winter War Medal, Continuation War Commemorative Medal, French Medaille Coloniale.