Osmo Tapio Laakso(1916–2004) 

Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #61. He fought in Winter War(1939-'40) and Continuation War(1941-'44) serving as artillery battery commander, but was a forward observer so he was part of the front line battles most of the war. He was awarded the mannerheim cross on May 19, 1942, for his heroic actions and great leadership. During the war he was also awarded the German Iron Cross 2nd class, and was promoted to Captain. The war ended for his part on June 23, 1944, when he was wounded while leading a counter-attack. He was the first one of the 5 artillery men who were awarded the mannerheim cross. 

Osmo Laakso

Lt.Törni(middle) together with JR 33's Cpt.Railio and Lt. Pitkänen after battle of Haukilahti.


Lauri Allan Törni(1919 – 1965)AKA Larry Thorne. 

Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #144. Fought in WWII serving in Finnish and German forces and later in Vietnam War as part of US Army Special Forces.

Larry Thorne's remains were found in 1999 and formally identified in 2003. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, section 60, tombstone 8136, on June 26, 2003.

In the book The Green Berets by Robin Moore, the "Sven Kornie" character is based on Larry Thorne. The book was later made into a movie by the same name starring John Wayne.

Years of service: 

1938-1945 (Finnish Army)

1945 (Waffen SS)

1954-1965 (U.S. Army) (MIA on October 18, 1965)


Rank: 	

Captain (Finland)

Hauptsturmführer (Germany)

Major (USA)


Units: 

Infantry Regiment 12 (Finland)

SS Freiwilligen Bataillon Nordost (Germany)

Green Berets, Detachment A743 

MACV-SOG

5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)


Battles/wars:

Winter War

Continuation War

World War II (Germany, eastern front)

Vietnam War


Awards:

Mannerheim Cross

Iron Cross 2nd Class

Bronze Star

Purple Heart (2)

Distinguished Flying Cross

Presidential Unit Citation

Lauri Törni in the Continuation War

Feeli Johannes Isosomppi (1909–1972) Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #70. He served as a medic in the Winter War, after which he was promoted to corporal and later during Continuation War to sergeant. He saved countless of lifes repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire and continued his job even after his hearing was damaged by a shell. The mannerheim cross was awarded to him on July 17, 1942.