Finnish Forces

The pegleg knight

Viljo Aukusti Laakso (second from left) the Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #191. One of the first Finnish jaegers who returned to the country in 1918 and brought in first large weapon delivery to the Civil Guards and organized training and spreading of weapons until the beginning of the Finnish Civil War. Laakso led small but the very first battle of the war and later participated in many more battles of the war. During the Winter War (1939-40) Laakso was battalion commander in Infantry Regiment 13, which was first fought at Summa. The code name of Laakso was "cat" which turned into "fathercat" and quickly gained features of legend because he was constantly seen at frontline and even leading patrols to enemy controlled areas. His battalion fiercely defended its positions from overwhelming enemy attacks until breach in the main position after which they fought heavy battles at Lähde sector and "middle position". When the situation was at its worst, Laakso was given battalion after another and he eventually led special detachment of 6 battalions. Winter War ended for Viljo Laakso on March 4, 1940, when machinegun bullet penetrated his waist at "rear position" near Viipuri. In 1941 Laakso went to the Continuation War still as commander of same battalion, which now belonged to Infantry Regiment 35 and fought in the north side of Lake Ladoga. He was always in the front leading the attack and effected result of battles also with his personal actions including destruction of several tanks. In August 1941, Laakso stepped onto a landmine. The explosion tore off the whole part of his leg below his right knee, but he wanted to stay in active service so he was posted to training and homefront duties where he served until summer of 1944, when the Soviet major offensive begun. He took command of Infantry Regiment 8 in July at Loimola and led it through heavy battles with success, until the end of the war with Soviets and later in the Lapland War. After third presentation, he was finally awarded the Mannerheim Cross on May 7, 1945. He is the last person who received the award. Viljo Laakso resigned from the army in 1948 and died of blood poisoning in 1950, at age of 55. His Mannerheim Cross is displayed in the Artillery Museum of Finland. Other awards: #Cross of Liberty I class, II class, III class (x2) and IV class with swords. #Knights cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland. Promotions: Germany #Hilfsgruppenführer (Assistant Squad Leader) - February 6, 1916 #Gruppenführer (Squad Leader) - August 9, 1917 Finland #Vänrikki (2nd Lieutenant) - February 11, 1918 #Luutnantti (1st Lieutenant) - April 15, 1918 #Kapteeni (Captain) - December 6, 1928 #Majuri (Major) - April 4, 1940 #Everstiluutnantti (Lieutenant Colonel) August 3, 1941