Finnish Forces

Viljam Pylkäs ("Rokka") with his best friend

Viljam Pylkäs with his best friend Toivo Ruuna (Pvt. Susi in "Unknown Soldier"). They were neighbors in civilian life and already in Winter War served in same unit and defended their homes on Karelian Isthmus. They also went to Continuation War together and served in a machinegun company of JR 8, in same unit with writer Väinö Linna who later made the unit famous with his novel Tuntematon Sotilas (Unknown Soldier). The war ended for both of them when they were wounded during a river crossing on July 4, 1944.