Finnish Forces

Major Reino Lukkari

Aarne Reino Ilmari Lukkari(1908–1951) Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #67. Engineer Major Lukkari is described to have been the perfect model of a combat engineer, in bravery, consideration and in skills. Captain Lukkari spent the Winter War participating in the planning and contructing defenses on Karelian Isthmus, but in 1941 during the offense phase of the Continuation War he personally took part in destruction of several bunker and strongholds. During the war he was wounded twice, was promoted to rank of Major on August 27, 1941, and received the Mannerheim Cross on July 5, 1942. He was also awarded the German Iron Cross (2nd class).